New York City employers: Paid prenatal personal care leave rules now in effect

As of July 2, 2025, New York City’s new rules for paid prenatal personal care leave are in effect. With the first month of enforcement now behind us, it’s critical for all employers with employees working in New York City to ensure they are fully compliant to avoid costly penalties.

What’s new?

The new requirements build on New York State’s law, which mandates New York employers to provide and allow employees to take 20 hours of paid, job-protected prenatal personal care leave every 52 weeks, separate from existing paid sick and safe leave, and without the need to accrue it before using it.

However, New York City’s rules add several important obligations for employers with employees working in New York City, whether full-time, part-time, or temporary.

What is paid prenatal personal care leave?

This leave is specifically for employees working anywhere in the state of New York who are pregnant. It covers time off for healthcare services during or related to the employee’s pregnancy, including:

• Physical exams;
• Medical procedures;
• Monitoring and testing;
• Fertility treatment or care appointments; and
• Consultations with a healthcare provider related to the pregnancy.

Only the employee themselves, not a spouse or partner, can use this leave.

Key requirements