No matter what industry you work in, finding out that you are pregnant can be an exciting, and somewhat anxiety-inducing, experience. Many women fear telling their employer about the pregnancy because they are afraid it will impact their position, or will result in their being terminated.
Being unfavorably treated or terminated due to pregnancy is illegal. Anyone who has experienced a change in their workplace environment after announcing pregnancy should contact the pregnancy discrimination lawyer at the Employee Advocates at Winston Law Group, P.C. to find out more about their legal rights.
Pregnancy Discrimination Laws in California
There are numerous state and federal laws that prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions. These laws include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- The California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
These laws are designed to protect women from pregnancy discrimination. They also establish penalties for employers who violate the law, and women’s legal rights.
Rights and Obligations for Pregnant Women
If you find out that you are pregnant, it is important to tell your employer and work toward reasonable accommodation and planning for your delivery and maternity leave. Here are a few important rights and obligations you should be aware of:
- Your employer must provide reasonable accommodation for your medical needs, which may include modifying work duties, allowing you to sit, or allowing more frequent rest breaks.
- Your employer must, if applicable, transfer you to a position that is less hazardous or strenuous.
- Your employer must provide you with pregnancy disability leave (PDL), and must ensure that your position will be available to resume upon your return.
- You must inform your employer that you are pregnant, and must discuss needed accommodations.
- You must provide, in writing, records of medical emergencies or certain medical needs that require accommodation.
Pregnancy discrimination is unfortunate and unjustifiable. If you have questions or concerns about discrimination, contact the Employee Advocates at Winston Law Group, P.C.
