Frequently Asked Questions: 

If you are pregnant, have been pregnant, or may become pregnant, and if your employer has 15 or more employees, you are protected against pregnancy based discrimination and harassment  at work under federal law. 

 You may also have a legal right to work adjustments that will allow you to do your job without jeopardizing your health.  This fact sheet briefly explains these rights, which are provided by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  You may also have additional rights under other laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state and local laws, and various medical insurance laws, not discussed here.

1. What should I do if I need an accommodation, light duty, or leave because of my pregnancy?

   Start by telling a supervisor, HR manager, or other appropriate person that you need a change at work due to pregnancy.  (They will direct you to the ADA Coordinators Office) 

2. You should inform your employer if the source of your problem at work is a pregnancy-related medical condition, because you might be able to get an accommodation under the ADA.  An employer cannot legally fire you, or refuse to hire or promote you, because you asked for an accommodation, or because you need one.  

   • The employer also cannot charge you for the costs of an accommodation.  Because employers do not have to excuse poor job performance, even if it was caused by a pregnancy-related medical condition, it may be better to ask for an accommodation before any problems occur or become worse.

     Under the ADA, your ADA Coordinator may ask you to submit a letter from your health care provider documenting that you have a pregnancy-related medical condition, and that you need an accommodation because of it.  

   • Your health care provider might also be asked whether particular accommodations would meet your needs.  You can help your health care provider understand the law of reasonable accommodation by bringing a copy of the EEOC publication Helping Patients Deal with Pregnancy-Related Limitations and Restrictions at Work to your appointment.

3. 
   
   • What if I can't work at all because of my pregnancy? 

     If you can't work at all and you have no paid leave, you still may be entitled to unpaid leave as an accommodation.  

     • You may also qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, which is enforced by the United States Department of Labor.   

       More information about this FMLA law can be found at www.dol.gov/whd/fmla. Some states and localities have passed laws that provide additional protections.  

   • For City of Shreveport Employee Requesting  FMLA see City of Shreveport, Human Resources Department

More "Frequently Asked Questions 

                                                
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For Assistance: 

Pregnancy Related Reasonable Accommodations are process through the ADA Coordinator Office.

• Please contact the City of Shreveport, ADA Coordinator