Finding out you’re becoming a mother can bring a mix of emotions. However, there is no surefire way to break the news to your employer, as doing so could put your job at risk in some cases.
Even though pregnant women have various protections under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, some employers still view them as a liability. Sadly, this can still lead many of them to treat pregnant women differently than other coworkers. Sometimes, an employer may even fire someone just for being pregnant.
This can hurt expected mothers because they may need a job to help pay for childcare costs and expensive hospital bills.
How some employers still mistreat pregnant women
Here are a few examples:
- Guilt-tripping pregnant workers for having to take parental leave once the baby is born.
- Refusing to accommodate working conditions for pregnant women, even if her current job duties could harm the child.
- Refusing to give pregnant workers the necessary breaks.
- Reprimanding them for pregnancy-related absences.
- Burdening pregnant women with extra workloads to make up for their maternity absence.
- Denying them a promotion simply because they are pregnant.
- Enduring negative or inappropriate comments from their supervisor regarding their pregnancy.
- Forcing someone out of their job because they’re pregnant.
Pregnancy discrimination is unacceptable in today’s workplace
If you’re a pregnant woman and face this kind of discrimination, you will want to seek legal counsel. An experienced and diligent employment law attorney can help take your case to court and get the justice you deserve.
