Massachusetts Health & Accident Insurance Practice Exam

What act amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit sex discrimination based on pregnancy?

1. Family Medical Leave Act

2. Pregnancy Discrimination Act

3. Equal Employment Opportunity Act

4. Title IX of the Education Amendments

The correct answer is: Pregnancy Discrimination Act

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is the legislation that specifically amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This act clarified that discrimination against a woman because of pregnancy is considered a form of sex discrimination. It stipulates that pregnant employees must be treated the same as other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work. This means that if an employer provides accommodations for other medical conditions, they must also provide the same accommodations for pregnant employees. The act was a significant step toward ensuring equality in the workplace because it recognizes pregnancy-related issues as important factors in employment decisions, thereby enhancing protections for pregnant workers. The other options, while related to employment rights, address different aspects of discrimination or employment law. For instance, the Family and Medical Leave Act pertains to leave policies rather than discrimination based on pregnancy specifically. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act addresses broader employment discrimination issues but does not specifically focus on pregnancy. Title IX primarily deals with discrimination in educational programs and activities, particularly in connection with federal funding, rather than specifically addressing employment protections for pregnancy.