Menopausal Workers’ Fairness Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill would make it illegal for employers with 15 or more workers to deny reasonable accommodations to employees dealing with menopause symptoms, unless doing so would create undue hardship for the business.
• Simple accommodations like carrying water, extra bathroom breaks, and switching between sitting and standing would be fast-tracked without requiring paperwork or medical documentation.
• Employers could not fire or refuse to hire someone because of a need for accommodation, and could not force a worker onto leave if another accommodation would let them keep working.
• Medical information about menopause symptoms would have to be kept confidential and stored separately from regular personnel files, with limited exceptions for supervisors and safety staff.
• Congress notes that women ages 45 to 64 make up more than 17 percent of the workforce, and argues formal protections would help retain these experienced employees.
• The bill also waives state governments' immunity from lawsuits under this law and appropriates $4.5 million to carry it out, but it is still in early committee review and has not passed either chamber.

Impact Analysis

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