Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue that can affect any person with a child coming through. You might not realize how common it is or what kind of protection you have.
In recent bipartisan policy surveys, about 20% of mothers say they have been discriminated against at work while pregnant, and almost 23% say they have thought about quitting their job because they don’t have the right accommodations or are afraid of bias.
According to a Los Angeles pregnancy disability attorney, if you’re a pregnant woman who thinks you’ve been discriminated against, a pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you learn about your rights and options. With different methods of investigation, their legal strategies can help you find proof of discriminatory behavior in the workplace and certainly help win your case.
The very knowledge of your rights will motivate you to act when faced with unfair treatment. Illusive information and common myths simply cloud the picture of the workplace. Now, let’s cut to the chase and find out what you need to know to differentiate these challenges from harsh realities and face them accordingly.
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination
Understanding pregnancy discrimination is necessary since the common people are not aware of the way in which their rights can be infringed upon at work.
Discrimination on the ground that an employee is pregnant, has given birth, or has a medical condition related to these issues constitutes pregnancy discrimination. The forms of discrimination with regard to pregnancy may be summarized as termination of employment, being denied promotion, or failure to get accommodations for a medically necessary condition.
At times, you may be surprised that what’s bothering you is not even the direct discrimination but just an undercover bias that creates complexity in your life.
Legal Protections Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Most people are not likely to realize this but there are, in fact, legal provisions against discrimination involving pregnant employees.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is a law that bans discrimination on the account of being pregnant, having given birth or taking a medical leave related to it. Employees should not be discriminated against when it comes to hiring, promoting or assigning tasks simply because they are expecting.
This is followed by the Family and Medical Leave Act that lets eligible employees take unpaid leave for matters related to pregnancies while guaranteeing job security.
In addition, they have the responsibility to grant reasonable ways to help pregnant women manage their work, just as it is done with other types of short-term disability.
If an act of discrimination is done to you, it is advisable that you take action by filing a complaint with the EEOC for relief or protection.
Common Misconceptions About Pregnancy in the Workplace
One of the popular beliefs is that pregnant workers are not productive enough, while in fact many women can carry on quite well with their regular jobs throughout pregnancy.
One more myth is that the law allows employers to fire employees or demote them just for being pregnant. You may also think that you must give notice of your pregnancy right away, but often you can put off saying anything until such time as you feel like talking about it. Some people speculate that maternity leave is more of a pampering style than a routine policy in most organizations.
Dealing with this myth will afford you the prop that you need to assert yourself and protect your rights during an important phase in your life.
Impact of Pregnancy Discrimination on Employees
Such discrimination against pregnancy hugely impacts the working ambience and personal life of the employee. Such employees may receive fewer promotions, training, or other development opportunities with which to further their ends. This would frustrate them and cause feelings of professional stagnation. While unfair treatment is quite heartbreaking, dwelling on agonizing times would only increase psychological trauma.
Discrimination will also set off conflicts with your co-workers or others on the private end as you feel unsupported and unappreciated. If you are forced to request unpaid leave or risk losing your job, you might even begin to question your financial stability.
Steps Employers Can Take to Prevent Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination has to be stopped and prevented in all forms in any supporting work environment; employers must take proactive measures.
Have clear policies that expressly forbid discrimination against any person based on pregnancy, childbirth, or any medical condition related thereto. Train management to identify bias and bases to ensure that they have a leg to stand on under the law.
Open communication regarding concerns must be encouraged without threats of retaliation or punishment. Reasonable accommodations must be given to pregnant employees, such as attachment to a flextime scheme or light duty.
Periodically review hiring and promotion policies to make sure that they treat workers fairly. Promote an inclusive culture whereby pregnancy-related concerns are discussed freely amongst all employees.
Being pregnant should not hinder employees from work opportunities. You have rights and you can protect them as an expecting mother in the workplace.
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