Question 416: This question refers to the answer to
Question 84 under ยง20.1208. It has also been asserted that
the declared pregnant woman (DPW) declaration can be
prospective. Are there any limits on how frequently or how
long a duration a person can declare they are in a DPW,
e.g., 10 years?
Answer: No. There is no limit in 10 CFR Part 20 "on how
frequently or how long a duration a person can declare they
are in a DPW status." A woman can state that she is
pregnant any time she feels it is necessary for her to do
so. However, by definition (in Part 20) a DPW has
voluntarily informed her employer, in writing, of her
pregnancy and of the estimated date of conception.
Furthermore, there can be no "prospective" declaration of
pregnancy. In the definition of a "declared pregnant
woman," the words ". . . informed her employer of her
pregnancy . . ." mean that the woman has informed her
employer that she is pregnant, not that she will be, or
intends to become, pregnant at some time in the future.
(References: 10 CFR 20.1003, 10 CFR 20.1208).