Maryland

Maryland provides a comprehensive framework of laws and programs to support pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities. These protections encompass anti-discrimination measures, workplace accommodations, leave policies, and financial assistance programs.

Pregnancy and Work

Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Under the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against workers based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Maryland reinforces these protections through the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), which similarly prohibits pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. Learn more

Workplace Accommodations
Maryland's Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities Due to Pregnancy Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business . This state law complements the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which took effect on June 27, 2023, and mandates similar accommodations at the federal level.

Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers
Employers in Maryland are obligated to maintain a safe working environment for all employees, including those who are pregnant. If a pregnant worker believes her job poses a risk to her health or that of her unborn child, she can request a workplace accommodation. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.

Taking Time Off Work

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specific family and medical reasons, including childbirth and caring for a newborn. Eligibility requirements include:
Employment with a covered employer (private-sector employers with 50 or more employees, public agencies, and public or private elementary or secondary schools), having worked for the employer for at least 12 months, and having accumulated at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12 months before the leave.

Maryland's Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI)
Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, established by the Time to Care Act of 2022, provides up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for eligible employees. This leave can be used for bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill loved one, dealing with one's own serious health needs, or addressing needs related to military deployment. The program covers nearly all employees in Maryland, regardless of employer size, including full-time and part-time workers in both the private and public sectors. Learn more

Returning to Work with a Baby

Break Time for Nursing Mothers
The federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, effective since 2022, requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk for up to one year after the child's birth. This law applies to most employees, including those in Maryland.

While Maryland does not have a state-specific law mandating lactation accommodations, state agencies and employers are encouraged to support nursing mothers by providing appropriate facilities and break times.

Parental Rights for Sick or Family Leave
Under both FMLA and Maryland's FAMLI program, eligible employees may take leave to care for a child or family member with a serious health condition. These provisions ensure that parents can attend to family health needs without fear of job loss. Learn more

Workplace Protections for New Parents
Equal Pay: Maryland law ensures that employees are entitled to equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or parental status.

Employment Termination: Employers are prohibited from terminating or retaliating against employees for taking protected leave (e.g., FMLA) or requesting pregnancy-related accommodations.

Job Protection: Both FMLA and Maryland's FAMLI program guarantee that employees can return to their same or an equivalent position after taking parental leave.

Support for Parents in Maryland
Childcare Assistance
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program helps eligible families in Maryland pay for high-quality child care and early education programs. The program is managed through a centralized vendor, CCS Central 2, and provides financial assistance based on income and family size. Learn more

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Maryland's Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program provides monthly cash payments to help families with children under 18 meet basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities. Eligibility is based on income and resource limits, and applicants must meet certain work and child support cooperation requirements. Learn more

Flexible Work Policies
While not mandated by law, some Maryland employers may offer flexible work arrangements, remote work options, or paid parental leave as part of their benefits packages. Employees are encouraged t