Your Rights and Obligations as a Pregnant Employee (California)
If you’re pregnant, have a pregnancy-related condition, or are recovering from childbirth:
Employer Must:
Provide reasonable accommodations (e.g., modified duties, extra breaks, a chair).
Transfer you to a less strenuous role if medically needed.
Offer up to 4 months of Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL).
Guarantee job return after PDL if requested in writing.
Provide break time and private space to express breast milk.
Not discriminate, harass, or retaliate based on pregnancy.
About PDL:
Only for time you're medically disabled.
Includes things like breaks, medical visits, bed rest, severe morning sickness, postpartum depression, etc.
Can be intermittent or on a reduced schedule.
May be paid or unpaid (depending on policy); state disability may apply.
You may use vacation/sick leave.
Employer must continue health coverage during PDL.
PDL may affect benefits/seniority.
Employee Must:
Give 30 days’ notice (if foreseeable) or ASAP.
Provide written medical certification (except in emergencies).
Employer must allow at least 15 days to submit it.
CFRA Leave:
After PDL, you may qualify for 12 weeks of leave to bond with a new child.
Also available for your own or a family member’s serious health condition.
Eligibility: 12+ months of work, 1,250+ hours, employer has 5+ employees.
May use accrued paid time or apply for state benefits.
To File a Complaint:
calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess
Toll-Free: 800.884.1684 | TTY: 800.700.2320 | 711
Translations: calcivilrights.ca.gov/posters/required
For more details please see the attached poster