Expecting a child should be a joyous time.  It should not result in pregnancy workplace discrimination. Negative employment actions against a pregnant person is against federal laws.

Examples of pregnancy workplace discrimination:

Once you informed your employer, your role and/or responsibilities changed at work.

Maybe the employer even stated that the move was  in your best interest to protect you and your unborn child. 

Perhaps your hours change, or you were placed on a different shift. 

Or maybe you were terminated from employment as a Reduction-In-Force but a less qualified (and not pregnant) individual remained to perform your job. 

The employer may believe such a decision is in your best interest, but that does not mean you were not the victim of pregnancy discrimination.

Pregnancy discrimination remains a prevalent issue despite advancements in gender equality, and we are here to ensure that you receive the protection and support you deserve under federal law.

1. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Under the PDA, employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from treating pregnant employees unfavorably in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, pay, and benefits.
2. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): While pregnancy itself is not considered a disability under the ADA, pregnancy-related medical conditions may qualify as disabilities if they substantially limit a major life activity. In such cases, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, just as they would for employees with other temporary disabilities.
3. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): The Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons, including the birth and care of a newborn child and the serious health condition of the employee or their family member. FMLA leave may be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule basis, allowing pregnant individuals to attend prenatal appointments and address pregnancy-related medical needs without fear of retaliation or discrimination.

How We Can Help: At Thomson Dunkel, we understand the challenges that pregnant individuals face in the workplace, and we are committed to protecting your rights and advocating on your behalf. If you believe you have been subjected to pregnancy discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, our experienced employment law attorneys are here to provide you with compassionate guidance and zealous representation. We will work tirelessly to hold employers accountable for their unlawful actions and seek justice on your behalf.

Contact Us Today: Don’t let pregnancy discrimination stand in the way of your career and well-being. Contact Thomson Dunkel today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Let us help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and take decisive action to protect your rights and interests in the workplace. Together, we can ensure that you receive the fair and equal treatment you deserve as a pregnant individual.

We are only paid – if you recover for your losses. Learn more about our result based fee below.

Here at Thomson Dunkel, we have handled cases similar (if not identical) to some of the scenarios described above.  We invite you to take a minute and share your experience with us. Let us know what you are going through.  Maybe we can assist and help you through a potential rough ordeal. Believe us when we say that the employer will not be alone. They will have well qualified attorneys advising them every step of the way. We used to be those attorneys. We know the advice and strategic moves employers make.  You need the same thing, a skilled and qualified attorney at your side.  Whether it is us at Thomson Dunkel or another attorney, let a skilled attorney lead you. Call Thomson Dunkel and let’s see if we can help.