Final answer:
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 makes it illegal to discriminate based on bearing a child, covering aspects like hiring, firing, pay, and promotions. It amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal law that makes it illegal to discriminate based on bearing a child is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. This Act amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and prohibits job discrimination of a woman because she is pregnant as long as she can perform the work required. Under this act, it is unlawful to discriminate in any aspect of employment, such as hiring, firing, pay, promotions, and other terms or conditions of employment, because a woman is planning to get pregnant, is pregnant, or is returning to work after pregnancy.
It's important to note that passing a law like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act is just one step towards reducing discrimination in the labor market. Broader social patterns and systems also play a critical role in ensuring non-discriminatory practices. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing this and other federal laws that protect individuals from employment discrimination.