A pregnancy can be a difficult time in life for a woman. Despite all of the clichés about pregnancy, hormones and cravings, most woman actually enjoy being pregnant, knowing that they are going to be welcoming a new addition to the family within just a few months time. Unfortunately, not everyone is sensitive to the various issues that a pregnant woman can face. In the workplace, an employer may begin to treat a pregnant employee differently because of the pregnancy.
Any woman in Minnesota who finds themselves in this position might think, “Am I being discriminated against because of my pregnancy”? Well, the sad reality is that, in some cases, the answer to this question is “Yes.” But, from there, what can you do about it?
In short, pregnancy discrimination may be a form of disability discrimination. While most people probably don’t equate pregnancy to disability, the fact is that pregnancy is actually a form of short-term disability. As a result, employers may be obligated to make reasonable accommodations because of the pregnancy. If they do not, it may constitute a violation of state or federal discrimination laws.
At our law firm, we work with pregnant women who have experienced discrimination in the workplace because of their pregnancy. Employers can hold a special amount of animosity for pregnant employees, knowing that their short-term change in physical health, along with the prospect of an extended period of leave at the end of the pregnancy, can change the dynamics between employee and employer. For more information about how our law firm might be able to help, please visit the disability discrimination section of our website.