This law can allow you to work from home while pregnant or postpartum

The labor force participation among mothers of young children has fallen since the implementation of return-to-office mandates in late 2024 and early 2025, reversing years of progress. However, pregnant and postpartum workers have more rights than they may realize, including those under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This act, passed in June 2023, requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. The act covers a range of conditions, including morning sickness, pelvic pain, and postpartum mental health conditions, and allows for accommodations such as remote work. To request an accommodation, workers should put their request in writing, stating the limitation and the accommodation they are requesting, and attach supporting medical documentation. Employers are required to engage in an interactive process to find a suitable accommodation, and workers are protected from retaliation. If the process is not working, workers should remind their employer of their obligations under the law and consider consulting with an attorney. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is modeled after the Americans With Disabilities Act, but is specifically designed for pregnancy and postpartum. By understanding their rights under this act, pregnant and postpartum workers can better navigate return-to-work mandates and build flexibility into their work life. Overall, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act provides important protections for working mothers, and it is essential for them to be aware of their rights and how to assert them.