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Bridging The Continental Divide In Maternity Protection, Selma Shelton

Selma Shelton

This paper argues that the inconsistency in application of the PDA coupled with the limitations of the FMLA reflect that the United States has insufficient protection for pregnant employees. The limited legal mandates protecting pregnant women in the United States are easily contrasted with the generous comprehensive protections afforded to pregnant employees in Ireland. However, without being oblivious to the striking demographical, geographical, cultural, social, political, and religious differences between the United States and Ireland, this paper compares the provisions of the two countries with regard to pregnancy and suggests that Ireland’s provisions are attainable goals in the United States …