Pregnancy Shouldn’t Cost You Your Job. Take Action Now!
Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue that many employees face in the workplace. Some companies treat pregnant workers unfairly by cutting their hours, denying promotions, or even firing them. If this happens, it’s important to know your rights. An employment discrimination attorney in Rockville, Maryland, can help if you’ve been mistreated because of pregnancy. Before taking legal action, it’s important to understand the protections available under federal and state laws.
Workers in Maryland have legal protections against pregnancy discrimination. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, such as extra breaks or lighter duties, if needed. They also cannot fire or demote someone just for being pregnant. If a company violates these rights, employees can file a complaint with government agencies or take legal action. Knowing these protections can help workers stand up for themselves and keep their jobs safe during pregnancy.
Quick Summary:
- Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related health issues. This can include job loss, reduced hours, denied promotions, or lack of necessary accommodations. While the law prohibits such discrimination, it still happens in many workplaces, sometimes in subtle ways that are hard to notice.
- Both federal and state laws protect pregnant workers. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act ensures that pregnant employees are treated fairly, like those with other medical conditions. In Maryland, the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act provides additional protections, including the right to request accommodations and take leave under laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Maryland Parental Leave Act (PLA).
- Pregnant employees may experience various forms of unfair treatment, including harassment, being passed over for promotions, or denial of benefits. Another common violation is being fired or forced to quit due to pregnancy. These actions are illegal, and employees have the right to take legal action if they face such discrimination.
- Proving pregnancy discrimination can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right evidence. Direct evidence, such as written documentation or an employer’s admission, strengthens a case. Circumstantial evidence, like sudden changes in treatment or policies that disproportionately affect pregnant workers, can also help. Employees should file a complaint and seek legal advice to protect their rights.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination happens when an employer treats a worker unfairly because she is pregnant, recently had a baby, or has a health issue related to pregnancy. This can include losing a job, getting fewer hours, being denied a promotion, or not receiving necessary workplace adjustments.
Even though laws protect against it, pregnancy discrimination still happens in many workplaces. Some cases are clear, like firing someone right after they announce their pregnancy. Others are more subtle—such as denying pregnant employees the same support given to workers with temporary health conditions. This could include not being allowed to adjust their schedule for doctor visits or being denied lighter work duties for physically demanding jobs.
How Are Pregnant Workers Protected Against Discrimination?
Pregnant workers have the right to be treated fairly, just like all other employees. However, some employers violate these rights by denying necessary time off, refusing workplace accommodations, or even firing employees because they are pregnant. Understanding these rights is essential for workers to protect themselves from unfair treatment in the workplace.
Legal Protections Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees eligible workers the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for reasons such as childbirth, recovery, and caring for a newborn. This also extends to situations where pregnancy-related health conditions, like bed rest, require time off. Importantly, both parents can take this leave to care for their child.
Unfortunately, some employers fail to comply with these protections. They may deny or limit FMLA leave, pressure employees to return to work earlier than necessary, or even punish them for taking time off, including job demotions or terminations.
Reasonable Adjustments for Pregnant Workers
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can require specific adjustments in the workplace to ensure the health and safety of the worker. This could include lighter duties, flexible hours, more frequent breaks, or access to a private space for breastfeeding. Employers are legally required to provide these accommodations unless it causes significant hardship to the business.
Sadly, some employers deny these requests, forcing pregnant employees to choose between their health and their job. Employees have the right to request these reasonable accommodations without fear of retaliation from their employers.
Illegal Firing and Job Discrimination
Firing someone because they are pregnant is a clear violation of the law. In some cases, employers might disguise this unlawful act by citing job cuts or poor performance, even though the real reason is pregnancy. Others may create an uncomfortable or stressful work environment in hopes that the employee will quit. Regardless of the method, terminating an employee due to pregnancy is illegal.
Other Forms of Workplace Discrimination
Not all types of unfair treatment are obvious, but they can still be harmful and against the law. Pregnant employees may experience discrimination in ways that go beyond hiring and firing. These actions can affect their careers, work environment, and financial stability.
- Limited Career Advancement – Some employers unfairly overlook pregnant employees when considering promotions, raises, or career advancements. Even if a worker is fully qualified, they may be passed over simply because they are expecting a child. This can limit their professional growth and impact their long-term career.
- Harassment in the Workplace – Pregnant employees may face harassment in the form of rude comments, unfair criticism, or exclusion from workplace activities. This mistreatment can come from managers, coworkers, or even clients. Over time, this kind of behavior can affect an employee’s well-being and ability to perform their job effectively.
- Job Loss After Maternity Leave – Some employers refuse to rehire workers after they return from maternity leave, even though they have the right to come back. Others may try to place them in lower-paying or less desirable positions. This can put new parents in a tough financial situation and create unnecessary stress.
- Withholding Benefits – Some employers may refuse to provide benefits that other workers receive, such as health insurance or paid leave. This can make it difficult for pregnant employees to get the medical care and financial support they need. Taking away these benefits is unfair and, in many cases, against the law.
Pregnant employees should never have to choose between their health and their job. If an employer violates these rights, workers have the option to file complaints, seek legal assistance, or take further steps to ensure their rights are protected. By understanding these protections, employees can better stand up to pregnancy discrimination.
What Laws Protect Pregnant Workers in Maryland?
Pregnant employees are protected under federal and state laws. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) makes it illegal for employers to fire, demote, or refuse to hire someone because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related health conditions. The PDA also ensures that pregnant workers receive the same treatment as employees with other medical conditions that affect their ability to work.
Maryland has additional protections under the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA). This law applies to businesses with at least 15 employees and ensures that pregnant workers are treated fairly in hiring, promotions, and other workplace decisions.
Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee in Maryland
If you’re pregnant and working in Maryland, understanding your pregnancy discrimination rights in Maryland can help you protect your job and well-being. The law gives you the right to:
- Stay employed without facing discrimination due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical issues
- Take unpaid leave to recover from childbirth, bond with your baby, or attend to pregnancy-related health needs under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Maryland Parental Leave Act (PLA)
- Request adjustments at work, such as schedule changes, temporary job reassignments, or time off for doctor visits
- Return to your job after taking leave under FMLA or PLA
Understanding these rights can help ensure fair treatment at work while you focus on your health and growing family.
How Can I Prove Pregnancy Discrimination at Work?
If you believe you’ve faced pregnancy discrimination at work or need to understand the legal steps if fired while pregnant in Rockville, proving your case can be difficult but not impossible. There are several ways to gather evidence and take the right steps to protect your rights. Here’s how you can build your case:
- Filing a complaint: If you believe you’re being discriminated against, the first thing to do is file a complaint. A lawyer who handles pregnancy discrimination can help you figure out your next steps.
- Direct evidence: If you have written proof of the discrimination or if your employer admits that your pregnancy was a reason for their decision, it’s easier to prove your case.
- Circumstantial evidence: This includes things like changes in how your employer treats you without any clear reason or them breaking their usual rules. If other workers were treated the same way, that could help too.
- Going to court: Taking your case to court can take time, and your employer might try to settle. Having a lawyer to guide you through the process is a smart choice.
Proving employee discrimination while pregnant can be challenging, but knowing how to gather evidence and take action can help you fight for your rights. By following the right steps and getting legal guidance, you can ensure that your case is strong and that you’re protected throughout the process.
Protect Your Rights—Call Our Employment Discrimination Attorney in Rockville, Maryland!
In Maryland, it’s important to know that you are protected from pregnancy discrimination at work. If you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly because of your pregnancy, it’s important to take action. A Rockville MD employment law firm can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of addressing any issues with your employer. Whether it’s filing a complaint or seeking legal advice, getting the support you need is the first step toward making sure your rights are respected.
If you’ve been fired while pregnant or face any kind of unfair treatment, you have legal options. The Spencer Firm, LLC, has experience handling pregnancy discrimination cases and can provide the legal support you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Rockville law firm for guidance and representation.
