Rep. Von Haefen files bill in North Carolina House to ban pregnancy discrimination

A new bill filed by State Rep. Von Haefen seeks to protect pregnant employees by requiring reasonable accommodations and ensuring equal treatment in the workplace, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 940 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill prohibits employment discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or these conditions unless doing so would cause undue hardship. The bill mandates equal treatment for pregnant individuals concerning employment benefits and leave absences, ensuring they can return to their same or similar job post-leave unless a business necessity prevents it. Employers are barred from denying job opportunities due to the need for accommodations, and individuals may pursue civil action against non-compliant employers within three years. The bill also authorizes the Human Relations Commission to investigate discrimination charges regarding pregnancy-related conditions and amends existing statutes to align with these protections. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law and applies to all relevant acts or omissions from that date forward.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Von Haefen proposed the most bills (30) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Haefen graduated from Ohio University in 1992 with a BA and again in 1995 from Case Western Reserve University with a JD.

Haefen, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 36th House district, replacing previous state representative Nelson Dollar.