Not long ago, paid maternity leave was a cutting-edge benefit for women in the workforce.
Not long ago, paid maternity leave was a cutting-edge benefit for women in the workforce. Today, the conversation is expanding beyond just maternity leave as state legislatures and employers consider new workplace protections for women's broader health needs — ranging from fertility treatments to reproductive loss and menopause.
Across the country, employment laws are beginning to address the unique challenges women and caregivers face across the spectrum of their careers. While many employers already offer benefits to support employees during critical life stages, some state legislatures are now taking a more active role by formally requiring certain protections rather than leaving them up to employer discretion. These changes not only give women the support they need but also help employers foster a workplace culture that promotes engagement, satisfaction, and long-term retention.
Pregnancy & Prenatal Care
States are recognizing that supporting women's health begins well before childbirth, with policies designed to cover prenatal care and medical appointments during pregnancy. For example, New York implemented a Paid Prenatal Leave law to assist employees during pregnancy. Since January 1, 2025, all private-sector employers in New York must provide 20 hours of paid leave annually, in addition to existing sick leave, for pregnancy-related medical...
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