Disability claims are always challenging for employers, but this is especially the case when pregnant workers suffer complications that leave them unable to perform their normal job duties. For example, in one recent case, a pregnant Kansas retail worker was fired because she needed, in violation of company policy, to carry a water bottle in order to stay hydrated. In another case, a delivery truck driver in Maryland was forced on unpaid leave when her doctor recommended lifting restrictions.
As a result of such cases, there have been calls for increased legislation. For example, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This act would require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and prevent employers from requiring pregnant women to take leave when they could continue working with reasonable accommodations.