EEOC Moves to Narrow Pregnancy Accommodation Rules

The Trump administration is preparing to narrow federal rules requiring employers to accommodate workers' pregnancy-related conditions, The New York Times reported Nov. 2, citing seven people familiar with the plans.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act passed with bipartisan support in December 2022 and took effect in June 2023. Under the law, employers with at least 15 workers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions unless doing so creates an undue hardship. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's current regulations interpret the law broadly, covering conditions tied to fertility treatment and abortion, provisions that have drawn legal challenges.

For hospitals and health systems, the stakes are direct. Healthcare is one of the largest employers of women, and nursing and clinical roles carry physical demands like long shifts, lifting, and standing. Systems have spent the past two years updating policies, manager training, and leave practices to comply. A narrower federal standard could change what accommodations are required, though state laws may still impose stronger obligations. The reported plans are not yet finalized.