District of Columbia Leave of Absence for Pregnancy is a legal provision that allows pregnant employees in the District of Columbia (D.C.) to take time off work for prenatal care, childbirth, and recovery without risking their employment status or benefits. D.C. has established specific guidelines to protect the rights of pregnant workers and ensure that they receive adequate time off to attend to their health needs and the needs of their newborn. Under the District of Columbia Family and Medical Leave Act (DCF MLA), eligible employees are entitled to take up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave for pregnancy-related reasons. This leave can be taken continuously or intermittently, depending on the employee's situation and needs. The leave can start at any time during the pregnancy or immediately following childbirth. To qualify for District of Columbia Leave of Absence for Pregnancy, employees must meet certain criteria. They must have worked for their employer for at least one year, with a minimum of 1,000 hours worked during the previous 12 months. Additionally, the employer must have at least 20 employees within a 75-mile radius of the employee's worksite. During the leave period, the employee's health insurance coverage must be maintained by the employer, and the employee should be able to return to their same or an equivalent position upon their return to work. If requested by the employer, the employee must provide reasonable notice regarding the expected duration of the leave and their intention to return to work. It is important to note that District of Columbia Leave of Absence for Pregnancy is distinct from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While the DCF MLA mirrors many provisions of the FMLA, the DCF MLA covers more employers due to the lower threshold of 20 employees, making it applicable to a wider range of workers in D.C. In summary, District of Columbia Leave of Absence for Pregnancy is a crucial legal protection granting pregnant employees the right to take time off work for prenatal care, childbirth, and recovery without fearing negative ramifications. It ensures that employers in D.C. provide support and accommodations to their pregnant employees, promoting the well-being and health of both mothers and babies. Different types of District of Columbia Leave of Absence for Pregnancy may include continuous leave, where the employee takes an uninterrupted period of time off work, such as during the last trimester of pregnancy or immediately following childbirth. Intermittent leave can also be granted, allowing the employee to take time off sporadically for medical appointments or necessary rest during pregnancy. The specific type and duration of the leave depend on the employee's individual circumstances and the recommendations of their healthcare provider.