Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
An employer cannot refuse to hire a woman because of her pregnancy-related condition as long as she is able to perform the essential functions of her job.
If an employee is temporarily unable to perform her job due to pregnancy, the employer must treat her the same as any other temporarily disabled employee; for example, by providing modified tasks, alternative assignments, disability leave or leave without pay. Her job must be held open for the same length of time jobs are held open for other temporarily disabled employees on sick or disability leave.