When you first learn that you are pregnant, it should be a joyful time. You are likely looking forward to sharing the news with everyone you know. However, you may be hesitant to inform your employer or coworkers about your pregnancy for fear of it affecting your career opportunities.
No one should have to choose between having a family and succeeding in their career. There are laws in place to protect women from different forms of pregnancy discrimination. If you are expecting a child, it is important that you are aware of the types of behaviors that you should never tolerate.
Inappropriate questions in a job interview
As a woman, you may be subject to pregnancy-related discrimination before you are even pregnant or even if you never intend to become pregnant. For example, an employer might subject you to questions in a job interview about whether you intend to become pregnant. These types of questions should never be tolerated and can be classed as gender discrimination.
Being treated differently than other employees with short term disabilities
Pregnant employees are considered under the law as employees who with short term disabilities. Therefore, companies should not differentiate treatment of their workers. For example, if an employer does not demand a doctor’s note from employees with short term disabilities in general, they do not have the right to request one when an employee is pregnant.
There are many different ways in which women suffer from discrimination while pregnant. If you feel that you have been targeted, it is important that you understand the law and that you take action to assert your rights.
