Legal Question in Medical Leave in California

Re: California Pregnancy Law

Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, women may take up to 4 months off for any medical reason related to their pregnancy. All employers with 5 or more employees are required to comply with this law. The state and federal versions of family leave also allow women to take up to 12 weeks off, for maternity leave, which allows time off after the baby is born, to bond withthe baby. It also applies to adoptions. Employers with 50 or more employees are subject to this law. The employee, generally must have been a full time employee with the company, for at least 1 year, to qualify for family leave. Exceptions may apply to high level executives, without whom the company cannot operate. These leaves may be taken consecutively, so theoretically, up to 7 months off may be taken, if medically necessary.