Unfortunately, many pregnant women face discrimination at work. When this happens, the choice of balancing their pregnancy and work is taken from them, and instead employers choose to fire them, demote them, or discriminate against them somehow.
Women in the workplace need to understand their rights. Federal and state laws have regulations that protect women against pregnancy discrimination whether they are pregnant, wish to one day be pregnant, or just gave birth. No one should be discriminated against in the workplace for making a deeply personal decision that employers should have no say in, regardless of the women’s career or workplace.
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
Pregnancy discrimination is when an employer discriminates against a pregnant employee by treating them unfavorably due to their pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity-related conditions. This kind of discrimination may take the form of:
- Demoting or firing an employee who is pregnant
- Refusing to hire an applicant due to their pregnancy
- Giving other employers reasonable accommodation for medical conditions but denying them to someone pregnant
- Denying pregnant women and mothers advancement opportunities available to other employees (especially their male counterparts)
Many women who’ve experienced some form of pregnancy discrimination won’t file a complaint because they’re afraid of retaliation or unsure if what they’re experiencing is considered pregnancy discrimination. If you believe you are experiencing workplace discrimination because of your pregnancy, the best thing to do is consult a skilled workplace discrimination lawyer who can detail your rights and determine if violations are occurring. If an employer discriminates against you because of your pregnancy, an attorney can help hold that employer accountable.
8 Rights Pregnant Women Have In the Workplace
Women who are unsure of their legal rights cannot adequately stand up for themselves. Having a basic understanding of your rights as a pregnant employee can go a long way to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of in the workplace.
- An employer cannot fire a woman because she is pregnant.
- Companies cannot refuse to hire a woman because she is or might be pregnant in the future.
- New mothers have the right to pump breast milk at work in a safe place. A company cannot fire or discriminate against a woman because she’s lactating.
- Some pregnancy conditions may require special accommodations. If a woman’s pregnancy requires accommodations, she must be given the same reasonable accommodations as other employees receiving similar accommodations.
- Employers cannot make you take time off or change jobs if you are still able to do your job.
- Non-medical leave must be equally available for men and women.
- Women cannot be harassed based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
- Women cannot be fired for having an abortion or considering an abortion.
To prove pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, you must demonstrate that you were treated differently from other employees with similar qualifications and performance records. Work with an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer who can help gather all the evidence you need to support your case.
Contact a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer at Hollis Law Firm
Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment for their employees. Many companies have policies and training that focus on preventing discrimination and harassment, but discrimination still occurs. If you’ve been discriminated against at work, you should contact an experienced lawyer for help.
Hollis Law Firm has a team of skilled lawyers, including an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer. Our experienced discrimination lawyer can help hold your employer accountable. We are proud to provide our clients with dedicated and unparalleled representation. Schedule a consultation at (800) 701-3672 or fill out our contact form to get in touch.
