New York Law Allows Expectant Mothers Paid Time Off from Work for Prenatal Care

New York has once again been the standard bearer for improving the lives and rights of workers, with the enactment and implementation of a new law to provide paid leave benefits to expectant women. The law, which went into effect on January 15, 2025, applies to employers of any size in the private sector. It mandates 20 hours of paid leave for pregnant women at any time during their pregnancy. The law provides coverage to women who are part-time, as well as those who are considered to be exempt employees for the purposes of overtime.

How Is “Prenatal Care” Defined in the New Statute?

The new law specifically limits the leave to events leading up to the birth of a child. Employees may use the paid leave for physical exams, monitoring and testing procedures, medical procedures, and information appointments with their healthcare providers. The leave also covers time off for fertility treatment, as well as “end-of-pregnancy” care. Post-partum and post-natal appointments do not qualify.

The New York law comes on the heels of the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, passed in 2023, which mandates that employers make reasonable accommodations in the workplace to provide for the needs of employees whose performance and duties may be limited because of pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical issues. While conferring many benefits on pregnant employees, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act does not make any provision for paid time off.  The New York law fills that gap.

We Can Help Protect Your Rights as an Employee

At the Romero Law Group, PLLC, we handle a wide range of legal issues for employees in Nassau and Suffolk Counties; in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx; in Westchester; and across Northern New Jersey. We offer a free initial consultation to any employee with a potential employment law dispute. To schedule an appointment, contact our offices online or call us at (631)257-5588.

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