Illinois Amends Human Rights Act to Extend Pregnancy Protections

On August 26, 2014, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation amending the Illinois Human Rights Act to expand employment protections for employees and applicants related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. The amendments outline an Illinois employer’s obligations to consider an employee’s request for a reasonable accommodation due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Beginning January 1, 2015, all Illinois employers must comply with the updated requirements, which protect all full-time, part-time, and probationary employees. For more details, view our briefing.