South Carolina Leave of Absence for Pregnancy is a legal provision designed to protect the rights of pregnant employees in the state. It ensures that pregnant individuals can take time off work to attend to their medical needs, prenatal care, childbirth, and the adjustment period that follows. This policy seeks to promote the health and well-being of pregnant employees while safeguarding their employment status. Under the South Carolina Pregnancy Discrimination Act (SCADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a pregnant employee may be eligible for different types of leave options. These include: 1. Pregnancy Disability Leave: South Carolina law permits pregnant employees to use their sick or disability leave if they are experiencing pregnancy-related medical conditions that temporarily prevent them from performing their regular job duties. This type of leave allows pregnant employees to take time off work for PRE and postnatal care, bed rest, recovery after childbirth, or other medically necessary reasons. 2. Maternity Leave: Maternity leave is available to both biological and adoptive mothers, allowing them to take time off work following the birth or placement of a child. This leave allows mothers to bond with their newborns and adjust to the demands of parenthood. Maternity leave may be covered under the FMLA, providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period. 3. Parental Leave: South Carolina does not have a specific parental leave law for both mothers and fathers. However, the FMLA provides eligible employees the opportunity to take leave to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. This allows parents to participate in the child's care and upbringing during the crucial early stages. It's important to note that some employers may offer additional benefits, such as paid maternity leave or extended parental leave beyond the legally required time frames. These benefits vary between companies, and employees should consult their company's policies and employee handbooks to understand the specific leave options available to them. South Carolina Leave of Absence for Pregnancy aims to ensure that pregnant individuals are protected from discrimination in the workplace and have the opportunity to attend to their health and parental responsibilities without jeopardizing their employment status. By providing necessary time off, it supports the physical and emotional well-being of employees during this important life event.