The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has updated guidelines to provide pregnant physicians with more workplace accommodations and protection against discrimination. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act aims to help women balance their careers and pregnancies by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations. Female doctors historically face barriers to family planning due to demanding careers, leading to higher rates of infertility and pregnancy complications. The PWFA supplements existing protections and permits accommodations for up to 40 weeks. Efforts to improve family leave policies for physicians, like requiring boards to allow at least 6 weeks off, are gaining traction. However, the success of these policies depends on institutional support and culture.
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