Employers Must Provide Expectant Mothers with Paid Leave for Prenatal Care
20 Hour Rule Now in Effect in New York
On January 1, 2025, New York became the first state in the nation to mandate paid time off for women who are expecting a child. Pregnant women may take up to 20 hours of paid leave for a variety of pregnancy-related reasons, including:
- Physical exams, whether part of regular prenatal care or in an emergency
- Medical procedures, including periodic monitoring or testing, fertility treatments, and even end of pregnancy care
- Meetings or discussions with health care providers to ensure a healthy pregnancy
The new law only applies to expectant mothers. Fathers or others who wish to participate in prenatal care must either take other forms of paid leave or take unpaid leave. The benefits, though, are available to all pregnant women, whether they are full-time or part-time, wage earners or salaried employees. There is no waiting period for new employees to obtain access to the benefit. Qualified employees will be entitled to 20 hours of paid leave during each successive 12-month period, as measured from the date the employee first takes paid time off under the new law.
What Businesses Are Covered by the New Law
The law applies only to non-government private sectors employers. However, a business that has one private sector employee will be considered a private sector business, even if all other employees are government employees.
Let Stephen Hans & Associates Help You Stay Compliant with New York Employment Law
At Stephen Hans & Associates, we have successfully advised and represented many New York City employers many years, helping them meet employment law requirements and protecting their rights in employment litigation. Susan Lacerte, executive director of the Queens Botanical Garden has lauded us for our “dedication, knowledge and experience” and for helping the Botanical Gardens “successfully resolve difficult legal issues with [our] talent, negotiating skills, personal care and attention.”
Our experienced attorneys are glad to answer your questions and provide legal advice. Our offices are conveniently located in Long Island City with easy access from Manhattan.