Being pregnant inevitably means that you will need to take significant time off work to give birth and care for your child in the first months of their life. It could also mean that you will want to quit your job to care for your child in their early years. In addition, you may be forced to take significant periods off work during your pregnancy due to health issues, even if you want to continue to pursue your career.
This is why employers may be less inclined to hire those who are pregnant or those who may become pregnant in the future. Additionally, employers may decide to demote or fire employees when they become pregnant. All of these actions are forms of pregnancy discrimination, and they should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
It’s important to note that it is not necessary to be pregnant to experience pregnancy discrimination. It is possible to be affected if you are incorrectly thought to be pregnant or if it is believed that you will become pregnant in the future. The following are some of the most common examples of pregnancy discrimination.
Discrimination in the hiring process
Many women are discriminated against in the hiring process, especially if they are pregnant or considered to be of child-bearing age. It’s inappropriate for an employer to ask a prospective employee questions about their plans to become pregnant. For example, if you are not pregnant but you are asked in an interview whether you intend to become pregnant in the near future, this means that they are basing their decision on whether to hire you on this factor. This means that you are being subjected to pregnancy discrimination.
Discrimination as a pregnant worker
If you find that negative action is taken against you in your job after you announce your pregnancy, this may be an example of pregnancy discrimination. For example, if you are demoted or if your hours are reduced for no good reason, you may be experiencing retaliation, which is a form of discrimination.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work because you are pregnant or because it is believed that you will become pregnant, you should take action to assert your rights.
