EEOC's Final Rule Regarding Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

On April 15, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) Final Rule, scheduled to take effect on June 18, 2024. The Final Rule largely leaves in place the expansive protections for applicants and employees outlined in the Proposed Rule published on August 11, 2023. The EEOC also issued Interpretive Guidance on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (Interpretive Guidance) that includes examples of physical or mental conditions commonly associated with pregnancy or childbirth, possible reasonable accommodations, and situations where an employer's actions could violate the PWFA.

EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows said, "The bottom line is that no one should have to risk their job or their health just because they are pregnant, recovering from childbirth or dealing with a related medical condition."