History

• In 2002, California was one of the first states to pass the paid family leave act, with Massachusetts and New Jersey closely following. California also allowed women to use short-term disability leave to cover pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery.
  
  

Function

• The California Pregnancy Disability Leave Act provides a maximum of 16 weeks of leave by law for a disability related to childbirth or pregnancy. This act is specifically for employees who work for companies with more than five people.
  
  

Time Frame

• According to Working-Families.org, the leave can be used at any period during and after pregnancy or for a childbirth related-disability. The act also covers periodic absences from work for pregnancy-related illnesses. The total time that can be taken is 16 weeks, which covers up to four weeks prior to childbirth and up to 12 weeks afterward.
  
  

Benefits

• The California Pregnancy Disability Leave Act benefits working mothers because it allows the parent to receive payment while on leave from her job. A new baby brings enough to worry about, so not having to worry about income is a big relief. The mother can then be at home relaxed and ready to bond with her baby. The Pregnancy Disability Leave Act is also beneficial during pregnancy when illnesses, such as severe morning sickness, occur.
  
  

Considerations

• The employee may be required to use some or all of her sick leave time while on pregnancy disability leave, but the employer cannot make the employee use vacation time. However, both sick and vacation time can be used while on paid disability leave. The employee may also use her sick and vacation time at the end of her paid family leave to extend the time she is paid and at home with her baby. The latter is at the discretion of the employer.