EEOC Finalizes Expansive Accommodation Requirements Under The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) took effect on June 27, 2023 and requires that employers with 15 or more employees provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known limitations stemming from, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the employer can demonstrate that providing the accommodation would cause an undue hardship. On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its final rule and regulations implementing the PWFA. The EEOC's final rule and accompanying interpretative guidance are sweeping and provide employers with insights into key PWFA compliance issues, such as who is covered, the types of limitations and conditions covered, and how individuals can request reasonable accommodations. Specifically, employers should be aware of the following elements of the final regulations.