On April 22, 2024, New York became the first state to require employers to provide paid prenatal leave to pregnant employees. The state’s new Paid Family Leave Law (NY PFL), which takes effect January 1, 2025, will provide eligible employees with up to 20 hours of paid leave to attend prenatal medical appointments.

• Eligible employees may use up to 20 hours of paid leave within a 52-week period.
• Prenatal leave may be used for prenatal care appointments, monitoring and testing, and discussions with health care providers.
• Prenatal leave is separate from and in addition to other leave provided under New York law, including paid sick leave and paid family leave.