Discrimination on the basis of sex was first addressed in federal law in the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Since that act was passed, several other laws affecting the rights of women have been enacted. They include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• The Civil Rights Act of 1991, which expanded some of the protections granted by Title VII
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX)
• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
• The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993