Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a comprehensive framework of laws and programs supports pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities. Here's an overview of these protections and resources:

Pregnancy and Work

Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination

Massachusetts' Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), effective since April 1, 2018, mandates that employers with six or more employees provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and related conditions, such as lactation. These accommodations may include more frequent breaks, modified work schedules, or temporary transfers to less strenuous positions. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who request such accommodations.

Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers
Under the PWFA, employers must ensure a safe working environment for pregnant employees. 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
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Massachusetts' Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program allows eligible employees to take up to 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave per benefit year. This includes up to 12 weeks for bonding with a new child. The leave is job-protected and provides partial wage replacement. Learn more

Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (MMLA)
The Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act provides up to 8 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for full-time female employees who have completed their initial probationary period. This leave is available for childbirth or adoption.
Learn more

Returning to Work with a Baby

Break Time for Nursing Mothers
Massachusetts law 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 state law complements the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, ensuring broader protections for nursing employees. Learn more

Parental Rights for Sick or Family Leave
Under the PFML, employees can take leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. This includes caring for a child, spouse, parent, or other qualifying family members. Learn more

Workplace Protections for New Parents

Equal Pay
Massachusetts' Equal Pay Act ensures that employees are entitled to equal pay for comparable work, regardless of gender or parental status.

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

Job Protection
Both the PFML and MMLA guarantee that employees can return to their same or an equivalent position after taking parental leave. Learn more

Support for Parents in Massachusetts

Childcare Assistance
The Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, provides subsidies to eligible families to help pay for child care and out-of-school time programs. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Learn more

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
In Massachusetts, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is called Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC). It is a state and federally funded program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). TAFDC provides cash assistance, employment and training opportunities, and supportive services to low-income families with dependent children under 18 and some expectant parents. Learn more

Flexible Work Policies
While not mandated by law, many Massachusetts employers offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or paid parental leave, as part of their benefits packages. Employees are encouraged to consult their employer's human resources department to learn about available options.

These laws and programs aim to support pregnant workers and new parents in Massachusetts as they balance work and family responsibilities.