Pregnancy should be a time of anticipation and planning—not fear of losing your job or being treated unfairly at work. Yet for many employees, announcing a pregnancy can bring unexpected challenges, from subtle changes in how they’re treated to outright denial of opportunities or accommodations. This kind of treatment isn’t just unfair—it may be illegal.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Still, pregnancy discrimination remains a persistent issue in workplaces across the country. Below are a few examples of pregnancy discrimination commonly seen in the workplace:
- Employer selectively enforcing rules and policies on pregnant employee.
- Pregnant employee demoted soon after disclosing pregnancy.
- Pregnant employee pressured to resign instead of using protected medical leave.
- Pregnant employee is told they are a risk or problem due to their pregnancy.
- Pregnant employee punished for requesting a pregnancy-related accommodation.
- Pregnant employee wrongfully terminated soon after disclosing pregnancy.
If you believe you have been subject to pregnancy discriminated, please contact our office to discuss potential claims.
