California provides some of the strongest pregnancy protections in the country. FEHA, the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law, and the California Family Rights Act prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions.
Employers must reasonably accommodate pregnancy-related conditions — modified duties, schedule changes, time off for medical appointments, and up to four months of pregnancy disability leave. Baby-bonding leave under CFRA is separate and additional. Employers must restore employees to their same or comparable position after leave.
Common violations include firing or demoting pregnant employees, refusing accommodation requests, denying leave, retaliating against employees who take leave, and failing to restore an employee to their position after returning. Recoverable damages include lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages.
If you believe you were discriminated against because you are or were pregnant, contact us immediately.