employer may not require her to remain on leave until the baby’s birth. An employer also may not have a rule that prohibits an employee from returning to work for a predetermined length of time after childbirth. That’s totally against the law.
In some cases, your job is protected even after birth.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also protects the jobs of workers who are employed by companies with 50 employees or more and who have worked for the company for at least 12 months.
These companies must allow employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical reasons, including pregnancy and childbirth. Your job cannot be given away during this 12-week period.
Need more info? Learn more about your rights during pregnancy and healthcare options at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.