California Paid Leave for Pregnancy & Childbirth
In California, there are wage replacement programs and job protection laws that support pregnant workers when they need to seek prenatal care, recover from giving birth, and bond with their child.
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) allows up to 4 months of unpaid, job-protected leave for conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. PDL also allows for some accommodations for pregnant workers on the job.
If you are paying into California State Disability Insurance (CA SDI), you may be eligible to receive payments from the Employment Development Department (EDD) while you are not working (or working less) due to pregnancy-related reasons, such as while you are on Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) from work.
This short video will focus on California Paid Leave for Pregnant Parents, where we will cover wage replacement programs and job protection laws. In this short video, pregnant workers will learn about their paid leave and workplace rights, including lactation accommodations.
View the resources below for more information.
A toolkit that describes paid leave and job protection laws in California. The toolkit outlines eligibility for each law and how the laws could work together if eligible.
Start on page 9 to learn about Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL).
Credit: Created in collaboration with ACLU of Southern California and ROC the Bay
Know Your Rights: Paid Leave in California
Pregnancy + My Job: Road Map
A roadmap explaining each part of Pregnancy + My Job: Roadmap in greater depth. The booklet breaks down the roadmap into sections by describing your rights and how to prepare to take a leave.
Credit: Legal Aid at Work
Pregnancy + My Job: Guide
A booklet explaining each part of Pregnancy + My Job: Roadmap in greater depth. The booklet breaks down the roadmap into sections by describing your rights and how to prepare to take leave.
Credit: Legal Aid at Work
Pregnant at Work
Three-page PDF outlining what to do if a pregnant worker experiences discrimination or harassment in the workplace and what accommodations an employer should provide.
Credit: Public Counsel
California Guidelines for Drafting Work Accommodation Notes for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients
A resource for California healthcare providers to help patients obtain work accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or lactation by writing appropriate notes to employers. The resource outlines state-specific guidelines, suggested reasonable accommodations, and sample letters.
Credit: Center for WorkLife Law
Talking to your boss about your bump
A factsheet to guide California workers to understand their workplace pregnancy accommodations and how to discuss and request these accommodations from their employer.
Credit: Center for WorkLife Law
New-Parents Rights Advisor - Pregnancy Disability Leave
An app that can guide you in understanding your rights when taking time off for Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) or Bonding Leave.
Credit: Civil Rights Department (CRD)
Disability Insurance - Pregnancy FAQs
Frequently asked questions about State Disability Insurance for Pregnancy and Childbirth.
A two-page resource that explains leave and pay when you need to recover from a miscarriage, stillbirth, or end of pregnancy.
Credit: Legal Aid at Work
Rights at Work after Loss or End of Pregnancy for California Employees
How to File a Disability Insurance Claim Using SDI Online
Short video explaining how to apply for a Disability Insurance Claim for Pregnancy Disability Leave.
How to Transfer from Disability Insurance to Paid Family Leave
Short Video of what to expect and how to transition from Pregnancy Disability Leave to Paid Family Leave if eligible.
Credit: Employment Development Department (EDD) Youtube Page
