While pregnancy can be a time of joy and celebration, in today’s competitive workplace, it can also be a major source of workplace stress, and in some cases, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. As a pregnant employee, you will likely need additional time-off from work for prenatal care, to deliver your baby, and to bond with and care for your child. You may also need time-off or workplace accommodations for pregnancy-related illness, morning sickness, or bed rest. Once you return to work, you may need a place and time to pump breast milk in the workplace.
Several complex and overlapping state and federal laws protect pregnant employees, their partners, and their newborn babies. Your rights will largely depend on the size of your employer and whether you are disabled as a result of your pregnancy. If you believe you may have been discriminated against, harassed, terminated, or retaliated against because of your pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, desire to become pregnant, or because you have taken time-off due to pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, you need employment law specialists on your side. If you are pregnant or are a new parent, give us a call at (213) 536-4236, email us at info@sarnofflaw.com, or fill out our case evaluation form. Even if you haven’t experienced workplace discrimination due to your pregnancy, we may be able to help you navigate this area’s complex legal landscape, so you can focus on your health and that of your baby.