EEOC Publishes Regulations Interpreting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The Bottom Line

• The PWFA regulations and guidance create expansive obligations for employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions.
• Absent a court striking down the regulations, employers should familiarize themselves with the regulations in advance of the June 18, 2024 effective date.
• Employers should ensure their job accommodations procedures, including requests for supporting documentation, are adjusted to comply with the regulations.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released regulations and interpretive guidance under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The PWFA, which was enacted in December 2022, requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with conditions associated with pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical conditions unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship.