Women's rights at work in the USA
Filing a discrimination charge, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, VAWA self-petitions for abused spouses, and free legal aid by state.
Two deadlines are worth knowing before anything else. A discrimination charge can expire in as little as 180 days from the incident, and in some states 300. If something has happened, the clock is already running, and filing is free.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has been in force since June 2023 and entitles you to reasonable accommodation for pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions — including recovery from loss. More than thirty states and cities go further than the federal floor.
If you cannot pay a lawyer, you are not without options. Legal aid is listed by state below, and WomensLaw sets out what your own state's courts actually require.
Rights & law
5 entries
Filing a discrimination charge eeoc.gov
How to bring a charge over sex discrimination, harassment, unequal pay or retaliation — and the deadline, which can be as short as 180 days.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act eeoc.gov
Reasonable accommodation for pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions. In force since 27 June 2023; final regulation 18 June 2024. Many states go further.
VAWA self-petition — immigration uscis.gov
If you are married to, or the child or parent of, a citizen or permanent resident who is abusing you, you can file for status yourself. They are not told.
WomensLaw.org womenslaw.org
State by state, in plain English: restraining orders, custody, divorce, housing and what the courts in your state actually require.
LawHelp.org lawhelp.org
Free and low-cost legal aid, by state and by issue. Where to go when you cannot pay a lawyer.
More for the United States
Every link on this page was opened and checked by hand. Last reviewed 04 October 2026.