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What You Need To Know About Pregnancy Discrimination

What You Need To Know About Pregnancy Discrimination

Under federal and state laws, employers are prohibited from discriminating against women because of their pregnancies. It is important that you understand your rights and what to do if you are fired because of your pregnancy or because of a pregnancy-related medical condition. The attorneys at Swartz Swidler may be able to help you to assert your rights if you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination.

Pregnancy discrimination laws prohibit discrimination during all aspects of employment, including hiring, interviewing, firing and promoting. These laws protect you against pregnancy discrimination during your pregnancy as well as after you give birth. You must be given a reasonable amount of medical leave following childbirth. You must also be allowed to take medical leave if you are diagnosed with a medical condition or disability related to your pregnancy.

Schedule an appointment today. Call (856) 685-7420 or

Schedule an appointment today.
Call (856) 685-7420 or

Reasonable accommodations

You have the right to ask your employer for reasonable accommodations during your pregnancy. This might include asking for your job tasks to be modified. For instance, you might ask for help with lifting heavy objects or to be allowed to take more frequent bathroom breaks.

Walmart was recently the target of a class-action lawsuit because it refused to grant reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees to limit such things as climbing on ladders and lifting heavy objects. The lawsuit could potentially include as many as 50,000 female workers.

Types of pregnancy discrimination

There are several actions that might be considered to be pregnancy discrimination, including the following:

  • Refusing to hire qualified pregnant applicants
  • Firing pregnant employees
  • Demoting pregnant employees
  • Asking applicants or employees if they intend to become pregnant
  • Changing job assignments without a reasonable ground
  • Subjecting employees to discrimination because of the employees’ past pregnancies or pregnancy-related medical conditions
  • Signs of pregnancy discrimination

It is important for you to know how to identify pregnancy discrimination. You should watch for the following signs:

  • Receiving more criticism from your supervisor when you are pregnant
  • Not being included in training or educational opportunties
  • Promotion discussions that end when your employer learns that you are pregnant
  • Being denied a raise that was promised after your employer learned that you are pregnant
  • Being given fewer work assignments
  • Being excluded from social events and meetings

Contact the experienced attorneys at Swartz Swidler

Pregnancy discrimination is illegal. If you believe that you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, contact the law firm of Swartz Swidler today to learn more about your rights.

Most Frequently Asked Question: Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact one of our attorneys. For more information check out the FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page

Most Frequently Asked Question:
Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is contact one of our attorneys. For more information on a just a few scenarios checkout the flip box FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page.

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

 

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733