Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) in California: Know Your Rights at Work
Pregnancy should be a joyful time—not one filled with worry about job security. Fortunately, California offers strong protections for employees through the Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) law. If you’re pregnant or recovering from childbirth knowing your rights under PDL can help you protect both your well-being and your career.
If you believe your rights are being ignored, denied, or you have been retaliated against for taking a pregnancy related leave, it’s crucial to consult with Andrew Malatesta, a trusted employment lawyer in Los Angeles, who fights for California employees who have been subjected to pregnancy discrimination by their employer.
What Is Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)?
Pregnancy Disability Leave is a California law that allows employees to take time off work when they are disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. You don’t need to work a minimum number of hours or months to qualify—you’re eligible from day one, as long as your employer has five or more employees.
Common reasons for taking PDL include:
- Severe morning sickness
- Doctor-ordered bed rest
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia
- Postpartum complications
- Recovery from childbirth or cesarean section
How Long Is PDL in California?
Under California law, eligible employees may take up to four months (17.3 weeks) of unpaid, job-protected leave per pregnancy. The exact length depends on your medical condition and your doctor’s recommendation.
If you are unsure how much time you qualify for or if your employer is making the process difficult, Andrew Malatesta, an employment lawyer in Encino can guide you through your options and represent your interests.
Will I Get Paid While on PDL?
While PDL is unpaid, you may still receive partial income through:
- State Disability Insurance (SDI) – if you’ve been paying into California’s disability program
- Paid Family Leave (PFL) – available after childbirth, for bonding time
- Sick leave, vacation, or PTO – depending on your employer’s policy
Employers cannot force you to use your paid time off, but you can choose to use it if you prefer.
Can I Take Additional Leave After PDL?
Yes—if eligible, you may also take 12 weeks of leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) after PDL ends. CFRA allows for bonding time with your newborn, and it’s separate from PDL. That means you could potentially take up to 7 months of job-protected leave when combining PDL and CFRA.
If your employer refuses you the leave you are entitled to as a pregnant employee in California, it is imperative to speak with a pregnancy discrimination attorney in Los Angeles right away.
What Are My Job Protection Rights?
During your PDL:
- Your job is protected—you must be reinstated to the same or a comparable position.
- It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for taking or requesting pregnancy leave.
Violations of these rights could be grounds for a legal claim under California employment law.
What Happens to My Medical Benefits?
During your PDL:
- If an employer normally provides an employee with medical benefits, it must continue to maintain those benefits for an employee during their leave.
- Note – There are situations where an employer could potentially recover the premiums it paid for an employee’s medical benefits while the employee was on leave if the employee does not thereafter return to work for the employer.
Have Your PDL Rights Been Violated? Let Andrew Malatesta an Employment Lawyer in Encino Help.
Unfortunately, not all employers follow the law. If you’re being denied leave, pressured to return early, or retaliated against for your pregnancy or pregnancy related leave, you may be facing unlawful pregnancy discrimination—and you have legal recourse.
At Malatesta Law, an employment law firm in Encino, Andrew Malatesta fights to protect the rights of working parents across Los Angeles County. Whether you’re unsure of your eligibility or need to take legal action, Andrew Malatesta is here to help.
Contact a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Los Angeles Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get the answers and support you need from a trusted employment lawyer in Encino with experience in pregnancy-related workplace issues.
Call Andrew Malatesta today for a free consultation or fill out an online form— Andrew is here to help you navigate your rights and stand up to unfair treatment.