Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers comprehensive protections and benefits to support pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities.

Pregnancy and Work

Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination

Under both Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and Rhode Island state law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees or applicants based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This includes protections against unfair treatment in hiring, termination, job assignments, and promotions. Employers cannot refuse employment, terminate employment, or retaliate against any applicant or employee based on pregnancy status.

Workplace Accommodations

Rhode Island law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees or prospective employees related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including the need to express breast milk, unless such accommodations would pose an undue hardship on the employer. Additionally, employers cannot require an employee to take leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided. Learn More

Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers

Employers are obligated to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, including those who are pregnant. Employees concerned about unsafe conditions can report them to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Taking Time Off Work

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for childbirth, bonding with a new child, or serious medical conditions, including pregnancy-related conditions. Eligibility requirements include working for an employer with 50 or more employees within 75 miles, having worked for the employer for at least 12 months, and having logged at least 1,250 hours in the past year.

Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act (RIPFMLA)

Eligible employees may take up to 13 weeks of unpaid leave in 24 months for the birth of a child, adoption of a child 16 years of age or less, or serious illness of the employee or a family member. To be eligible, employees must be full-time, working an average of 30 hours a week or more, and have been employed continuously for at least 12 months. Learn More

RI Paid Leave

Rhode Island's TCI program provides up to six weeks per year of partial wage replacement benefits to most Rhode Island workers for caregiving needs, including bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. This program also protects job security during the leave period.
ripaidleave.net

Returning to Work with a Baby

Break Time for Nursing Mothers

Employers are required to provide reasonable break times for nursing parents to pump breast milk for up to one year after birth. A private, non-bathroom space for expressing milk must be provided. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may claim undue hardship exemptions, but most employers must comply.
The nationwide PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act applies to nearly all workers and gives you the legal right to private, non-bathroom space and reasonable break time for pumping at work.

Parental Rights for Sick or Family Leave

If a child or family member has a serious health condition, employees may qualify for unpaid leave under FMLA or RIPFMLA to provide care. Learn More

Workplace Protections for New Parents

Equal Pay

Rhode Island's wage laws ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or parental status.

Employment Termination

Employers cannot terminate or retaliate against employees for taking protected leave (e.g., FMLA, RIPFMLA, or TCI) or requesting pregnancy-related accommodations.

Job Protection

FMLA, RIPFMLA, and TCI guarantee that employees can return to their same or an equivalent position after taking parental leave.

Support for Parents in Rhode Island

Childcare Assistance

Rhode Island offers programs to help working parents with childcare costs. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Provides financial support to low-income families, including those with new babies. More information can be found on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services TANF page.

Flexible Work Policies

Some Rhode Island employers may offer flexible work arrangements, remote work, or paid parental leave as part of their benefits.

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