Employee Rights

• According the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), discrimination based on pregnancy is sexual discrimination, which is illegal. Women who have been the victims of adverse employment decisions based on pregnancy can initiate a complaint procedure with the CHRO.
  
  

Pregnancy Related Disabilities

• The Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act makes provisions for medical leave and temporary reassignment for pregnancy-related disabilities. Pregnant employees are entitled to an unpaid leave of absence, or reassignment for as long as is medically necessary.
  
  

Employer Obligations

• Employers are required to make a reasonable effort to temporarily reassign a pregnant employee, but may also require a written notice of pregnancy before reassignment. Employers are also obligated to compensate pregnant employees on a medical leave of absence in the same manner as any other disability.
  
  

Applicable Federal Regulations

• Connecticut employers with over 15 employees are also subject to the regulations of the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act states that discrimination based on pregnancy is sexual discrimination, and entitles pregnant employees to fair and equal treatment by an employer.