Pregnancy discrimination is a form of employment discrimination that occurs when an
employer treats an employee or job candidate unfairly because of their pregnancy,
childbirth, or related medical conditions. This type of discrimination is illegal under
federal law, and it can have serious consequences for pregnant employees and their
families.
The federal law that prohibits pregnancy discrimination is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964. This law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job
candidates on the basis of sex, which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and related
medical conditions. In addition, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 amended Title
VII to specifically prohibit pregnancy discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms, including:
- Denying a promotion or job opportunity because of pregnancy
- Firing or laying off an employee because of pregnancy
- Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, such
as time off or a modified work schedule - Denying an employee’s request for leave related to pregnancy or childbirth
- Treating a pregnant employee unfairly because of their pregnancy or related
medical condition
If you believe that you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination in the
workplace, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. You can file a complaint
with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or you may be able to file
a lawsuit in federal or state court. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced
attorney if you believe that your rights have been violated.
In summary, pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue that can have a significant
impact on pregnant employees and their families. It is illegal under federal law, and
employers have a responsibility to treat all employees fairly and with respect, regardless
of their pregnancy or related medical conditions.
If you think that you may have been affected by employment discrimination in Charlotte,
North Carolina, Hickory, North Carolina, or throughout North Carolina, don’t hesitate to
seek the help of a qualified and experienced employment lawyer. An employment
lawyer can help you to understand your rights and options, and can represent you in
court to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Call us 24/7 at (866)
BURTS-LAW.
