West Virginia has enacted the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (the Act), which prohibits discrimination and harassment against women affected by pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions in the workplace. It also requires employers to provide pregnant workers with reasonable accommodations. 

Generally, the Act covers all employers that employee 12 or more workers in West Virginia with some limited exceptions.   Pregnancy discrimination includes the employer’s failure to provide reasonable accommodations to the employee affected by pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions unless the employer can show the accommodation would cause undue hardship on the business.   Employees who have suffered pregnancy discrimination can file a claim with the West Virginia Human Rights Commission or a private lawsuit. 

If you feel your employer has violated this or other West Virginia employment laws, contact Tammy Bowles Raines for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.