Ohio Court Clerk Proves Pregnancy Leave Policy Is Discriminatory

Butler County Area Courts’ unpaid pregnancy-related leave policy for employees is facially discriminatory and violated a fired clerk’s rights under federal sex bias law, an Ohio federal judge ruled.

The policy requires workers seeking leave under it to provide within 30 days of the termination of their pregnancy a written doctor’s note stating when they can return to work, the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio said. That’s an additional burden beyond what’s required under a separate unpaid leave policy for all employees, the court said.

Imposing an extra burden for leave on pregnant workers is facially ...