If you were passed over for a promotion or, worse yet, fired because of a pregnancy, you may have a pregnancy discrimination claim. Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is prohibited and you should know what some common examples of it are and how you are protected under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
What you should know if you are discriminated against because of pregnancy
Pregnancy discrimination is a form of gender discrimination and is prohibited in the workplace. It applies if you are pregnant, have been pregnant or could become pregnant or have a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth and in some other situations as well. Pregnancy discrimination prohibitions apply in the workplace and in the hiring process.
If you fall into one of these categories, employers are prohibited from discriminating against you under certain situations, including:
- Firing, denying a job or withdrawing a job offer
- Promotions, demotions, pay cuts, changes in hours and schedule or other adverse actions
- Harassment in the workplace by supervisors, coworkers or customers
- Forced leave or to stop working if the person is still willing and able to work
- Denial of reasonable workplace accommodations for pregnancy-related medical conditions if accommodations are provided to other workers with similar limitations or disabilities.
There are several options available to workers experiencing pregnancy discrimination. It is important to thoroughly document the experienced discrimination. You should review your employer’s policy and can make a complaint to them. You can also make a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
A lawsuit is another option that you can pursue. Employment laws help workers impacted by discrimination in the workplace, such as pregnancy discrimination, to enforce their rights.
