Pregnant at Work? Know Your Rights Against Discrimination

Pregnant workers in Pennsylvania have clear legal rights. Pregnancy-related discrimination is prohibited under both Pennsylvania and federal law; and, when employers illegally discriminate against their pregnant employees, they can (and should) be held accountable.

Unfortunately, while pregnant workers’ legal rights are clear, employers don’t always know—or follow—the law. As a result, as an employee, it is important to make sure you know your legal rights so that you can protect them when necessary.

5 Important Facts About Pregnancy Discrimination in Pennsylvania

With this in mind, here are five important facts about pregnancy discrimination for expecting mothers in Pennsylvania:

1. Employers Cannot Make Job-Related Decisions Based on Pregnancy

Generally speaking, employers cannot make job-related decisions based on pregnancy. If you believe that you were denied a position, pay raise, promotion, or any other job-related opportunity or benefits for which you were qualified based on your pregnancy, you may be a victim of pregnancy discrimination.

2. Employers Must Provide Reasonable Accommodations to Pregnant Workers

Along with providing equal job opportunities and benefits to pregnant workers, employers in Pennsylvania also generally have an obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers. If your request for a reasonable accommodation related to your pregnancy (i.e. for extra bathroom breaks or a temporary reassignment to light-duty work) was denied, you may have a pregnancy discrimination claim in this scenario as well.

3. Employers Must Also Provide Protected Leave to Qualifying Pregnant Workers

If you are covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you are entitled to take protected leave during (and after) your pregnancy. Your employer cannot prohibit you from taking FMLA leave if you qualify; and, with only very limited exceptions, your employer must allow you to return to work when your leave ends.

4. “Pregnancy Discrimination” Encompasses All Stages of Pregnancy

Under both Pennsylvania and federal law, “pregnancy discrimination” encompasses all stages of pregnancy and related medical conditions. For example, as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explains, the pregnancy discrimination protections under Title VII apply with respect to potential pregnancies, current pregnancies, past pregnancies, medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, and decisions regarding birth control and abortion.

5. Anti-Discrimination Laws Also Protect New Mothers

As an employee in Pennsylvania, your protections do not end when you give birth. State and federal anti-discrimination laws also protect new mothers. Once you give birth, you remain entitled to protection against many forms of discrimination in the workplace—and you can (and should) speak with a lawyer if you believe that your legal rights have been violated.

Schedule a Free and Confidential Consultation with a Philadelphia Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today

Do you need to know more about your pregnancy-related rights as an employee in Pennsylvania? If so, we invite you to get in touch. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Philadelphia pregnancy discrimination lawyer at Murphy Law Group, give us a call at 267-273-1054 or tell us how we can reach you online today.