Washington’s Legal Protections for Pregnant Women: 5 Key Laws Explained

Pregnancy is a significant life event that brings with it a host of physical, emotional, and financial changes. In Washington state, there are several laws in place to ensure that pregnant women have the rights and protections they need to maintain their health, safety, and financial security during this time.

Whether you’re expecting a child or supporting someone who is, understanding these key protections is vital. Here are five important laws in Washington that protect pregnant women.

1. Pregnancy Discrimination Law

In Washington, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against women because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Under Washington State’s Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60), pregnancy is considered a temporary disability, and women who are pregnant must be treated the same as employees with any other temporary disability. This means employers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers if needed, such as modified duties, additional breaks, or a stool to sit on during long shifts.

If an employer fails to provide these accommodations or treats a pregnant employee unfairly, the employee can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

2. Pregnancy and Family Leave – The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a newborn. Washington state has its own version of this law, called the Washington Family Leave Act (WFLA), which mirrors many provisions of FMLA but applies to smaller employers.

Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which became effective in 2020, provides even more protection for expecting mothers. The PFML allows eligible employees to take paid leave for pregnancy-related medical conditions, childbirth, and bonding with a new child. This law ensures that workers can take necessary time off without the added stress of losing income during this critical period.

3. Workplace Accommodation for Pregnancy-Related Conditions

In addition to the general protections for pregnant employees, Washington law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for workers who experience pregnancy-related conditions. This includes things like morning sickness, fatigue, or complications that may require a lighter workload or a different physical setup.

Under Washington’s Pregnancy Accommodation Law (RCW 49.60.180), employers must adjust job duties, work schedules, or provide special equipment, such as a chair or a more accessible bathroom break, to accommodate an employee’s needs. Employers are also required to allow women to take unpaid or paid leave when medically necessary, and they must not retaliate against employees who request these accommodations.

4. Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Medical Care

Washington state law mandates that health insurance plans provide coverage for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. This means that women in Washington who are covered by private health insurance or through their employer’s plan are entitled to have pregnancy-related medical care covered without discrimination.

Arizona Traffic Stops: What You Need to Know About Police Searching Your Phone

Additionally, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) provides pregnancy Medicaid to low-income women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Medicaid covers a range of services including prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent access to essential healthcare services.

5. Protection from Workplace Harassment

Harassment in the workplace is another concern for pregnant women. Washington state law provides robust protections against harassment related to pregnancy, ensuring that expecting mothers are not subjected to unfair treatment, ridicule, or discrimination by colleagues or superiors. This includes verbal harassment, hostile work environments, and any actions that affect the pregnant woman’s ability to perform her job duties.

If harassment occurs, pregnant workers are encouraged to report the issue to their employer’s human resources department or file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Washington’s laws also protect against retaliation, meaning that employees cannot be punished or penalized for asserting their rights regarding pregnancy discrimination or harassment.

Pregnant women in Washington are entitled to significant legal protections that help ensure they can continue to work, access healthcare, and take necessary time off without facing discrimination or undue hardship. From accommodations in the workplace to the ability to take paid leave, these laws are designed to support expecting mothers during this crucial time.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in Washington state, it’s important to understand these protections and know how to advocate for your rights. In case of discrimination, harassment, or if you feel your rights are being violated, seeking legal advice or filing a complaint can help ensure you receive the support and accommodations you are entitled to.

Washington’s laws ensure that pregnancy doesn’t become a barrier to success in the workplace or the ability to care for yourself and your baby, making the state a supportive environment for expecting mothers.

About The Author