What Does Pregnancy Discrimination Look Like?

Pregnancy discrimination is more common than we think. According to the EEOC, between 2015 and 2017, there were more than 10,000 pregnancy discrimination charges reported in the United States. It can happen in a variety of ways including, not being hired, demotion, lowering pay grade, losing job and much more.

California follows the Pregnancy Discrimination Act which was instated back in 1978. Pregnant workers are also protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Despite having these laws, women are still facing discrimination once they get pregnant. An employer can be sued for pregnancy discrimination if they do any of the following:

• Asking if a candidate/employee is planning on getting pregnant.
• Firing or demoting someone after they become pregnant.
• Refusing to give an employee reasonable time off for pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions.
• Changing pay, position, job assignments, training and benefits because of pregnancy.
• Retaliating if employee complains about pregnancy or sex discrimination

If you'd like to learn more about this issue, visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's website.