California Governor Signs Legislation Providing Workers with Leave in the Case of Pregnancy Loss

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that grants workers the right to take leave in the event of a pregnancy loss. The new law aims to support employees during a difficult time and ensure they have the necessary time to recover and cope with the emotional impact. Let’s delve into the details of this landmark legislation.

Overview of the new law

Under the recently passed legislation, it is now unlawful for employers to refuse to grant an eligible employee’s request for reproductive loss leave. This provision guarantees that workers who experience a pregnancy loss are entitled to take up to five days of leave within three months following a reproductive loss event.

Duration of Leave

The new law offers considerable flexibility in terms of the duration of leave provided to workers. In addition to the initial provision of up to five days, the legislation states that if an employee experiences multiple instances of miscarriage within a 12-month period, the employer must grant them up to 20 days of pregnancy loss leave. This recognition of the potential physical and emotional toll that multiple losses can have on individuals is a significant step forward in supporting employees during a challenging time.

Limits on additional time off

While the legislation mandates employers to provide up to 20 days of leave in cases of multiple miscarriages, it does not require employers to provide additional time off beyond that. This provision ensures a balance between supporting workers and the practical considerations faced by employers.

Compensation

It is important to note that reproductive loss leave may be unpaid. However, the legislation empowers employees to use other available leave balances, such as sick leave or vacation time, to receive compensation during this period. This ensures that employees are not financially burdened by their leave and have the support they need while going through a pregnancy loss.

Protection against retaliation

In a vital move to protect employees, the new law makes it unlawful for employers to retaliate against workers who exercise their right to reproductive loss leave or provide information or testimony related to such leave. This provision ensures that employees can take the time they need without fear of negative consequences from their employers.

Maintenance of employee confidentiality

Recognizing the sensitive nature of pregnancy loss, the legislation also mandates that employers maintain the confidentiality of employees who take reproductive loss leave. This provision ensures that individuals are not subject to unnecessary scrutiny or invasion of privacy during their personal healing process.

Previous provisions by employers

Even before the passing of this legislation, several employers had already made strides in recognizing the significance of miscarriage and providing paid miscarriage leave for their workers. The new law aims to enforce consistent standards across all workplaces, ensuring that no employee is left without much-needed support in such a challenging time.

Separate rights

It is essential to highlight that the leave granted under this legislation is separate and distinct from any rights provided under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. This legislation recognizes the unique nature of pregnancy loss and establishes specific rights tailored to address the needs of employees experiencing such a loss.

With the signing of Senate Bill 848 by Senator Susan Rubio, Governor Newsom has taken a significant step forward in prioritizing the well-being of workers who experience pregnancy loss. By guaranteeing up to five days of leave, and up to 20 days in cases of multiple miscarriages, California is leading the way in supporting employees during a challenging time. This legislation ensures that individuals have the necessary time and resources to heal after a reproductive loss event while safeguarding their rights against retaliation and preserving their privacy.

Explore more

How Erica Redefines Virtual Banking with AI Innovation?

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every corner of the financial sector, Bank of America’s virtual assistant, Erica, emerges as a trailblazer in redefining customer engagement through artificial intelligence. Since its debut several years ago, Erica has not only adapted to the evolving demands of banking but has also set a new benchmark for what virtual assistants can

MoonPay’s Leadership Shift Could Redefine Crypto Payroll

In an era where digital currencies are reshaping financial landscapes, the integration of cryptocurrency into payroll systems stands as a bold frontier for businesses worldwide, sparking interest among forward-thinking companies. The potential for faster transactions, reduced costs, and borderless payments is enticing, yet the path to adoption remains fraught with regulatory and operational challenges. Amid this evolving scenario, a rumored

Manufacturers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Cyber and Labor Risks

In today’s rapidly changing manufacturing landscape, the push toward digital transformation has become an undeniable imperative for companies striving to maintain a competitive edge, as revealed by a comprehensive report from a leading industry source. Manufacturers across the globe are increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to overhaul their operations. This shift is

How Will BNPL Market Grow to $7.89 Trillion by 2034?

What if a new pair of sneakers or a much-needed laptop could be yours today, with payments spread out over weeks, without the burden of credit card interest? This is the promise of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), a financial service that’s reshaping how millions shop and spend. With the global BNPL market valued at $231.5 billion in 2025, projections

How Is AI Code Generation Impacting DevSecOps Security?

The software development landscape is undergoing a seismic shift with the meteoric rise of AI-powered code generation tools, which promise to turbocharge productivity and streamline workflows in ways previously unimaginable. However, this technological marvel is casting a shadow over DevSecOps—a critical methodology that embeds security throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). As organizations race to harness AI assistants for faster