Although women have long been a part of the American workforce, they nevertheless face significant challenges that their male counterparts do not. Among these hurdles is the ongoing problem of pregnancy discrimination, which can impair women’s ability to succeed in ways that men do not need to deal with. But how might pregnancy discrimination impact you, and what can you do about it?
What is Pregnancy Discrimination?
In simple terms, pregnancy discrimination is when someone is mistreated due to being pregnant, or due to the aftereffects of pregnancy. Naturally, this means it primarily affects women who are currently pregnant, as well as those who have recently given birth. It also includes anyone who is nursing and is trying to care for their baby while they are working.
What Does Pregnancy Discrimination Look Like?
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms. These include, but are not limited to:
- Being denied raises or promotions due to pregnancy
- Being excluded from company events or meetings
- Not receiving reasonable accommodations upon request
- Not being permitted to take maternity leave
- Being forced on maternity leave early
- Being replaced while on maternity leave
- Not being allowed to pump breast milk
- Facing retaliation for reporting discrimination
What Are the Effects of Pregnancy Discrimination?
Just like any other type of discrimination, anyone who suffers from pregnancy discrimination may face significant hurdles in their personal and professional lives. Their careers may get stalled due to hostility from their employer, and workers may be discouraged from having children due to the fear of it affecting their professional lives. In the worst case scenario, they may even find themselves unceremoniously fired, the company choosing to replace them while they are dealing with pregnancy and childbirth.
What Should You Do?
If you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, you may have legal options available to you. That is why you need to speak to Steve Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer. He can help you review all of your legal options, and ensure you get justice for the harm you have suffered.
Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 46 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.
