Philadelphia, PA, New Workplace Menopause Protections

What happened?

On November 20, 2025, Philadelphia City Council approved an amendment to its Fair Practices Ordinance (PFPO) that bans discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations for workers experiencing menstruation, perimenopause, or menopause, with an effective date of January 1, 2027.

Overview

• Who is covered: The PFPO applies broadly to employers with one or more employees working in Philadelphia, regardless of where the employer is headquartered.

• What is required: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations upon request when symptoms interfere with job functions unless the accommodation would cause undue hardship.
  • Examples: More frequent restroom breaks, flexible/modified schedules, telework/hybrid options, temperature control, uniform adjustments, temporary duty changes, short-term unpaid or paid leave where appropriate.

Why this matters: Philadelphia is one of the first major U.S. city to explicitly protect menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause in its anti‑discrimination law; requirements that go beyond the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which does not specifically identify perimenopause/menopause.

Action Steps for Compliance

• Update policies: Add clear language covering menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause accommodations; note the January 1, 2027 effective date.
  
• Train managers/HR: Recognize accommodation requests, engage in a confidential interactive process, and avoid stigma or adverse action.
  
• Set up a request workflow: Provide a simple intake channel; document “substantial interference” and undue hardship analyses; track outcomes.
  
• Check facilities & operations: Ensure restroom access, temperature control, uniform flexibility, and feasible temporary duty/schedule changes.
  
• Communicate: Issue an employee notice/FAQ explaining rights and how to request accommodations before the law takes effect.

Source References

• Philadelphia, PA Council – Press Release (November 20, 2025)
• Philadelphia, PA Bill 250849 – Amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,” to explicitly protect employees from discrimination on the basis of menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause, all under certain terms and conditions.

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