The loss of a pregnancy can impact your family’s future, your health and your emotional wellbeing. You may find it difficult to engage with some aspects of your life as you grieve and heal.
Unfortunately, not every employer recognizes the challenges that a person faces after miscarriage, and this may lead them to mistreat employees in the process. What should you know about your right to accommodations and leave after the loss of a pregnancy?
Miscarriage can have a significant impact on your health.
During and after a miscarriage, people may experience bleeding, nausea, pain and other symptoms. If the loss of the pregnancy leads to infection, that infection could result in even more health challenges. Miscarriage can also lead to emotional challenges, including depression.
What accommodations might people receive after a miscarriage?
Miscarriage is a pregnancy-related condition. As a result, employers must accommodate the needs of their employees after the loss of a pregnancy in the same way that they must accommodate other conditions like preeclampsia or postpartum depression.
People may be eligible for workplace accommodations like light-duty tasks, seating to use during work or more frequent bathroom breaks to protect their health after the loss of a pregnancy. Medical leave for a miscarriage can also provide people with the time they need to heal and grieve their loss.
Failure to provide these accommodations, firing or demoting an employee because of the emotional challenges resulting from miscarriage or otherwise mistreating them is a form of discrimination. Not only can this damage your career, but mistreatment in the workplace adds stress to an already difficult time. Thankfully, legal options are available to help you hold your employer responsible.