The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions. Courts and legislation have determined its reach in terms of employee accommodations.
Overview of the PDA
The PDA protects women on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, as well as women who intend or have the capacity to become pregnant.
The PDA’s prohibitions against discrimination relate to any aspect of employment, including the following:
- hiring
- firing
- pay and benefits
- job assignments and promotions
- layoffs
- training
- any other term or condition of employment
Employers who have 15 or more employees are subject to the PDA.