If you are pregnant or planning on a pregnancy, it is easier to navigate the workplace when you know your rights.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) protects your rights throughout the employment cycle in companies with 15 employees or more. Across New York, our law firm works with clients who suffer discriminatory actions based on pregnancy.
Whether you are looking for a job or already employed, keep these points in mind about pregnant women in the workforce.
- Company policy: Check out the written policies of your company if you intend to become pregnant. Knowing your responsibilities and what to expect from your employer helps you understand what is ahead.
- The interview: You cannot be denied a job based on pregnancy, or a plan to become pregnant. Questions about your marital status, children or expected children, childcare or family planning should not be posed by potential employers. Before an interview, consider how you might answer, avoid or redirect inappropriate questions.
- Job performance: Under the PDA, you cannot be fired, passed over for promotion, or demoted if you become pregnant. You must perform the responsibilities of your job as long as you are able. If you become unable to perform tasks as expected, you must be accorded the same rights and protections as other temporarily disabled employees. You cannot be required by your employer to take pregnancy leave before you choose.
- Retaliation: If you pursue a complaint process due to discriminatory treatment during your pregnancy, it is against the law for your employer to prohibit, deter or punish you for participating in the investigation of your charges.
Knowing what to expect — with pregnancy, or in the workplace — is essential. If you suffer pregnancy discrimination, speak with an experienced employment law attorney.
- What is the Purpose of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? - June 30, 2022
- NYS ADULT SURVIVORS ACT: Adults Can Now Sue for Sexual Assault No Matter How Many Years Ago It Happened - June 3, 2022
- Can Men Become the Victims of Sexual Harassment at Work? - May 26, 2022
- What Do You Need to Prove Wrongful Termination? - May 13, 2022
- Can You Get Fired from Work for Requesting a Disability Accommodation? - May 6, 2022
- The Effects of Gender Discrimination on Roles and Wages in the Workplaces - March 18, 2022
- Did Your Age Lead to a Layoff and Severance Package (40 or above)? - March 11, 2022
- How Do You Know If You Are Discriminated Against at Work? - March 2, 2022
- Find the Best Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Los Angeles - February 19, 2022
- 5 Ways Race Discrimination Goes Unnoticed in the Workplace - February 4, 2022
