Final answer:
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees in all aspects of employment, ensuring that they are treated fairly and equally in the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 is best explained by the statement that it prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees in all aspects of employment. This Federal law was passed to prevent discrimination against women in the workplace who are planning to get pregnant, who are pregnant, or who are returning to work after pregnancy. Prior to the act, women faced significant barriers in the workforce when it came to pregnancy, such as being denied employment or being fired due to their pregnant status. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act mandates that pregnant women must be treated the same as other employees or job applicants with similar abilities or limitations, thus safeguarding their rights and ensuring fairness in employment practices.
Before the act was passed, there were internal policies and state laws providing certain benefits to female workers. However, public policies aimed to reduce discrimination and make illegal practices like gender discrimination in the workplace. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 is a crucial piece of legislation in this regard, building on earlier laws such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.