New York has introduced a law that gives pregnant employees prenatal sick leave, granting them an extra 20 hours of paid time off each year.
The additional sick leave covers pregnancy-related medical appointments, including physical examinations.
It means New York is the first US state to mandate paid leave specifically for pregnant employees.
The changes were passed last April, and came into effect on 1 January.
Prenatal Leave
The updated laws expand existing sick leave policies, which allow employees up to 56 hours of leave annually.
According to the state’s government, approximately 130,000 pregnant women are expected to qualify for the new benefit each year.
It will apply to full-time, part-time, and hourly wage workers in the private sector.
New York Governor
State Governor Kathy Hochul said the reform ensures pregnant workers no longer have to choose “between getting medical care or earning a pay check.”
“New York is making sure pregnant women get paid time off to attend prenatal appointments so they can give their babies the best possible start in life,” Hochul said.
