Sick Notes for Morning Sickness & Pregnancy in Ontario
Pregnancy-related illness is protected under Ontario law. Here's how to get proper documentation for morning sickness and pregnancy complications.
## Sick Notes for Morning Sickness & Pregnancy in Ontario
Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant people, and for some, it's severe enough to require time off work. In Ontario, pregnancy-related illness is strongly protected by law.
### Your Legal Protections
Under the **Ontario Human Rights Code**, pregnancy is a protected ground. This means:
- Your employer **cannot penalize you** for pregnancy-related absences
- They must **accommodate** pregnancy-related limitations
- Termination due to pregnancy illness is **illegal discrimination**
Under the **Ontario ESA**:
- You're entitled to up to **17 weeks of unpaid pregnancy leave**
- This is in addition to your regular sick day entitlements
- Leave can start up to 17 weeks before your due date
### When Morning Sickness Requires a Sick Note
Mild nausea usually doesn't require documentation, but consider getting a note when:
- You're missing multiple days per week
- You have **hyperemesis gravidarum** (severe, persistent vomiting)
- Your employer is questioning your absences
- You need workplace modifications (flexible hours, breaks, WFH)
### How MedLetter Helps
When you're dealing with severe nausea, the last thing you want is a clinic waiting room. MedLetter provides same-day documentation from CPSO physicians — from the comfort of your home.
**Get a sick note — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**