Discriminating Against Pregnant Women

A lot of women are now entering the workforce, not least because of our country’s current economic instability. For some women, the experience is empowering and affirming. Some women, though, have a different experience. Pregnant women in particular may worry about how their condition will affect their ability to get a job, or to keep a job once they have it.

Fortunately, there are federal laws to protect pregnant women in the workplace. If you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy, contact the Austin employment attorneys of The Melton Law Firm, by calling (512) 330-0017 today.

Pregnancy and Hiring

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was a 1978 amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the groundbreaking piece of legislation that changed the way companies and employers were able to operate. Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an employer cannot refuse employment to a woman on the basis of her pregnancy, or any conditions that result from it.

Leave of Absence for Pregnancy

An employer must treat an employee who is unable to perform her job because of pregnancy the same as he or she would treat any other worker who is temporarily unable to perform his or her job. In this sense, a pregnant woman may be considered a temporarily disabled employee. The same rules apply to both. Pregnant employees must be allowed to work their job as long as they are able to, and a woman temporarily on leave due to pregnancy-related conditions cannot be required to stay on leave until after the child’s birth. A woman cannot be forced to take leave for a pregnancy.

Finally, should the woman go on leave, an employer must keep a job available for the pregnant woman as long as he or she would keep a position open for a worker on sick or disability leave.

Contact Us

If you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy, an employment lawyer may be able to help. Contact the Austin employment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm, by calling (512) 330-0017.