Last updated on June 5, 2024

Pregnant and facing unfair treatment in your workplace? You are not alone. J. Gill Law Group, P.C. can help you fight pregnancy discrimination.

Two specific laws that protect pregnant and other workers are:

• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Provides up to four months unpaid leave for pregnancy and childbirth-related conditions.
• California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for baby bonding and care.

Recognized for robust employee protections, California law prohibits employers from mistreating pregnant workers.

Here are some examples of potentially discriminatory acts.

• Firing an employee because they are pregnant
• Harassing or victimizing pregnant women
• Denying overtime and promotions due to pregnancy
• Paying pregnant workers less than their counterparts

Discrimination can be overt or subtle and take many possible forms.

In addition to strong California safeguards, pregnant employees have federal protection through several anti-discrimination laws.

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

These laws deter employers from mistreating protected workers and offer a legal means to hold violators responsible.

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related needs unless it would cause them undue hardship. The goal is to enable employees to perform job duties safely while pregnant. A new law – the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) – strengthens these protections.

Reasonable requests can include:

• Modified work duties
• Flexible scheduling
• Extra rest and bathroom breaks
• Private spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk

If your employer denies a reasonable request, it could be a form of pregnancy discrimination.

J. Gill Law Group, P.C. will fight tirelessly to ensure fair workplace treatment. Call our office at 844-218-9809 to arrange a free consultation. We also offer contingency fees – you face no charges if we do not resolve your case.