Pregnancy Discrimination

When a woman is pregnant, it should be a joyous time in her life, and she should receive support and appropriate treatment.  This is especially true in the work environment, where the woman will spend the bulk of her day.  Sadly, not all women receive support from their colleagues or employers when they become pregnant.  Often times, pregnant women are subjected to unlawful treatment and/or discrimination because their employers feel they are no longer capable of sufficiently doing their jobs.  This type of treatment is illegal, as pregnant women are permitted to work as long as they are able to perform their jobs.

Lifting Restrictions & Failure to Accommodate

Once a woman becomes pregnant, and her pregnancy progresses, she may not be allowed to lift things that are at or above certain weights.  This is usually because lifting heavy objects could jeopardize the woman’s pregnancy and health.  When a woman is told that she has lifting restrictions by her doctor, she must report these restrictions to her employer, and the employer should make special accommodations. 

If the employer is aware of lifting restrictions, or other forms of restrictions, and the employer does not accommodate the woman’s need for these restrictions, the employer is failing to accommodate, which is unlawful.  Any time a pregnant woman feels that her job or pregnancy is at risk because her employer is failing to accommodate, or asking her to perform tasks she cannot do, the pregnant woman should take the time to speak with a qualified employment law attorney.  Pregnant women have rights, according to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and should never tolerate mistreatment or discrimination from their employers.

Pregnancy Discrimination Act

In the United States, there is an Act that protects the rights of pregnant women in the work force, and it is called the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.  The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was passed as an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  This Act prohibits employers from discriminating against women who are pregnant and women who plan to utilize maternity leave benefits.  This Act also prohibits employers from discriminating against pregnant women who apply for jobs, especially if the woman is capable of performing the major functions of the job.

Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers

If you are a current, past, or potential employee who has been subjected to illegal treatment, such as Pregnancy discrimination, call 1-888-252-7991 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Los Angeles employment law attorneys.