While sex discrimination of all types is potentially problematic, pregnancy discrimination can be especially harmful to new or expecting mothers. That being said, it is not always easy to identify discrimination against pregnant people when it is happening, unless you can identify the potential signs. But what exactly is pregnancy discrimination, and how might it potentially impact you in your workplace?
What is Pregnancy Discrimination?
In the context of employment law, pregnancy discrimination is any situation where an employee is mistreated by their employer due to their pregnancy status. This includes both expecting mothers who have yet to give birth, as well as women who have recently given birth or are nursing. Anti-discrimination laws also protect people who report discrimination that they witness happening to someone else.
What Does Pregnancy Discrimination Look Like?
Pregnancy discrimination can take many possible forms. These include, but are not limited to:
- Refusing to give raises or promotions to pregnant women
- Excluding pregnant people from meetings or company events
- Making crude or inappropriate jokes at the expense of pregnant women
- Forcing pregnant women to take maternity leave against their wishes
- Firing employees who become pregnant
- Refusing to grant reasonable accommodations to pregnant women
- Refusing to give space for mothers to nurse or pump breast milk
- Retaliating against employees who report other forms of discrimination
What Are the Effects of Pregnancy Discrimination?
At its best, discrimination against pregnant women and recent mothers can make the workplace significantly more uncomfortable for them, and make it harder for them to manage their conditions. At worst, it can actively interfere with their careers and harm their ability to provide for their families. It could even result in an increased risk of accidental injury due to a lack of accommodations for pregnancy-related medical issues.
What Should You Do?
If you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling employment law matters. They can help you review the facts of your case, and craft a legal strategy that will help you protect your rights. The sooner you call, the sooner they can begin working to get you justice for the harm you have suffered.
Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 44 years’ experience handling the many aspects of employment law. His new book, “Fired!: Protect Your Rights & FIGHT BACK If You’re Terminated, Laid Off, Downsized, Restructured, Forced to Resign or Quit,” is available in hardback, and contains valuable advice on dealing with employment and labor law issues. To purchase the book, feel free to contact Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or visit the website at legalstratpub.com. To inquire about a legal matter, please feel free to contact attorney Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or stevensackatty@hotmail.com.
