Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) of 1978

The PDA brought "pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions" within the purview of "sex" as a characteristic protected by Title VII. This legislation created a new "protected class"—pregnant women—and gave them the right to bring claims for discrimination. The PDA allows a pregnant woman to recover equitable relief (e.g., job reinstatement following termination), compensatory relief, and, at times, punitive damages to remedy acts of discrimination on the part of her employer. Coverage for such claims is available under employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policies.