Pregnancy Discrimination

Many women struggle to have a career and a family simultaneously. Pregnancy discrimination laws are supposed to help. Just like race, gender, age, and religion, pregnancy is a protected status in US employment law. Technically, an employer cannot make hiring, firing, or promotion decisions based on whether an employee is pregnant, but since employers have broad discretion in these matters, it can be difficult to prove that an employer's decision was motivated by a particular employee's “familial status.” Proper preparation and education about pregnant employees' rights are essential to creating a welcoming, supportive, and legally compliant workplace for employees with families. Look through the articles in this section for a wealth of useful information.

Learn About Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
Employers face a tricky situation with respect to pregnant employees. Here are some examples of what employers may or may not do concerning employees who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
Facts about Pregnancy Discrimination
Get the facts on pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. This article has information about pregnancy discrimination with respect to hiring, firing, promotions, health benefits, maternity leave, and fringe benefits.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Read this article to learn about an important amendment to Title VII to the 1964 Civil Rights Act which adds discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions as unlawful sex discrimination.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Here is the text of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title VII, which is the primary statute prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Filing an EEOC Complaint or Charge
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, is the federal agency charged with enforcing employment laws. Click here to find out more about EEOC process and procedure, and what to do during your EEOC complaint.
Gender Discrimination
Take a look at FindLaw’s Gender Discrimination section for more information on the issues facing women in the workplace, including sexual harassment and equal pay.

Pregnancy Discrimination Articles