In the workplace, you have every right to feel safe. When you become pregnant, you have the same rights as any other person to receive medical care and to take a temporary leave.
Following your child’s birth, you still deserve to remain free from discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination after childbirth
Some people falsely believe that pregnancy discrimination can only occur while pregnant. Some employers may wait until after you give birth to treat you differently. The law protects women after childbirth to prevent employers from being able to discriminate against women after having children. Some examples of pregnancy discrimination may include colleagues or clients harassing you based on your body or role as a mother. While offhanded comments do not qualify as discrimination, they qualify when the work environment becomes hostile.
If an employer treats you differently following your child’s birth, does not allow you to take positions with higher responsibilities or continue performing your job in the same capacity, you may be the victim of discrimination.
Fighting pregnancy discrimination
You do not have to accept discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Your rights protect you against a work environment that causes you mental anguish or makes you feel unsafe. Likewise, you do not qualify for termination because you have a baby.
An employer does not respect your rights if he or she:
- Allows a hostile work environment to go unchecked
- Terminates or threatens termination following the birth of your child
- Overlooks you for promotions or demotes you because of your motherhood
Determining discrimination can be complex, but with the right strategy, you can uncover discrimination and receive the compensation you deserve.