Navigating Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace: Understanding Workplace Accommodations and Legal Protections
Learn about pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and how employers are required to accommodate pregnant employees.
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The Legal Landscape of Pregnancy Discrimination
Since the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, Title VII has expressly prohibited pregnancy discrimination, recognizing it as a form of gender discrimination. The Act prohibits a wide range of discriminatory actions, including refusing to hire or firing someone due to pregnancy. Employers are advised by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to base decisions on a pregnant individual's abilities and commitment to the job, rather than stereotypes or assumptions.
