Am I Eligible for Medical Leave as a Pregnant Employee? 

Navigating workplace rights during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but understanding your medical leave options is essential. Pregnancy is a time of profound change, and whether you’re managing morning sickness, preparing for childbirth or recovering post-delivery, knowing your legal protections can relieve stress and empower you. At the Law Offices of Alan F. Cohen, we’re here to ensure that employers honor their obligations, so you don’t have to face pregnancy-related challenges alone.

Medical Leave for Pregnant Employees in California

California offers some of the most comprehensive protections for pregnant employees in the country. The primary laws governing pregnancy-related medical leave in the state include the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) and, at the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Pregnant employees are also able to secure bonding time under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Here’s what you need to know about each law.

Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) Under FEHA

Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) allows pregnant employees in California to take up to 4 months of leave for a condition related to pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum recovery. This includes issues such as severe morning sickness, doctor-mandated bed rest, childbirth recovery or even prenatal and postnatal care.

Eligibility: If your employer has five or more employees, you are eligible for PDL. There are no additional requirements, such as tenure or minimum working hours—both full- and part-time workers are protected. 

Duration of PDL: You can take up to four months per pregnancy. Leave can be taken before or after childbirth and may be intermittent, based on your medical needs.

Protections: 

• Your employer must continue paying for your group health insurance during PDL, as long as they usually pay for it. 
• It’s illegal for your employer to discriminate against or terminate you because of pregnancy or your decision to take PDL. 
• Once your leave ends, you’re entitled to return to the same position you held before or a comparable one.

The California Family Rights Act (CFRA)

On top of PDL, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) allows eligible employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to bond with a newborn, adopted or foster child within the first year of their arrival. Unlike PDL, CFRA is not for medical issues related to pregnancy—it is specifically for bonding time—but it can be taken after PDL to extend your leave period.

Eligibility: 

• Your employer must have 5 or more employees, and you must have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA complements California laws by providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to address serious health conditions, including childbirth and recovery.

Eligibility: 

• Your employer must have 50 or more employees within 75 miles of your worksite, and you must have worked with them for at least 1 year and for 1,250 hours in the last year.

Seek Legal Guidance to Protect Your Rights

Understanding and navigating medical leave laws can be complex, and unfortunately, employers don’t always comply with the regulations. If you’ve been denied leave, faced discrimination or feel your rights are being violated, contact the Law Offices of Alan F. Cohen. With 25 years of experience protecting employees like you, we’re dedicated to ensuring you get the medical leave, respect and compensation you deserve. Reach out today to discuss your case and take the first step toward restoring your workplace dignity and security.