EEOC Issues Proposed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Regulations

On August 11, 2023, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will publish its proposed regulations on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) in the Federal Register. The PWFA became effective on June 27, 2023, and its purpose is to ensure pregnant and postpartum employees can retain their jobs. It requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified employee's or applicant's known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, absent undue hardship on the operations of the business. The proposed regulations expand upon employers' responsibilities under the PWFA and contain interpretive guidance expounding on those responsibilities.