A new law taking effect at the beginning of next month protects the rights of pregnant workers in Illinois. State Department of Human Rights Director Rocco Claps says the law bans businesses from discriminating against pregnant employees.

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Claps applauds the new law taking effect on January 1st, indicating his department has received reports of women being discriminated against in the workplace because they were pregnant in the past. He says this law lets employees make a reasonable request for accommodations.

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Claps urges pregnant workers to communicate with their employers about any reasonable accommodations they might need, such as a stool to sit on or an extra break. For more information on this new law and how to file a complaint, visit illinois.gov/idhr.