Rights of Pregnant Women in the Workplace

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commissionwould treat costs for other medical conditions.
(EEOC) has reported yearly increase in pregnancyAbortion is not required to be covered by the
discrimination cases received since 2006. In 2008, thecompany’s health insurance unless to save a
EEOC received 6,285 cases of pregnancymother’s life.
discrimination cases.Pregnancy related expenses should also be
Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorneys canreimbursed the same way it covers cost for other
help women who are victims of this type ofmedical conditions. It does not matter if it is on a fixed
discrimination in getting damages and resolving theiror percentage of reasonable-and-customary-charge
cases.basis.
According to EEOC, of the 6,285 cases, 5,282 ofThe amount to be paid by the insurance provider can
those have already been resolved. The monetarybe limited to the same extent as those for other
benefits recovered for pregnancy discrimination victimsmedical conditions.
total to about 12.2 million dollars.• Fringe Benefits – All benefits given to
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act or PDA protectsemployees must include pregnant women and
women from discrimination on the basis of pregnancypregnancy related benefits should not be limited to
and childbirth. This covers all employers with more thanmarried couples only.
15 employees that include state and local governments.If a company provides benefits to employees on
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects women inleave, then the same should be given to women on
the following:leave because of pregnancy related concerns.
• Hiring – A woman cannot be refusedPregnant women should also be treated the same
employment on the basis of her pregnancy, pregnancyway as temporarily disabled employees are treated in
related condition or the prejudices of other employees,terms of accrual and seniority crediting, increase in pay,
clients and customers toward pregnant women.vacation and other disability benefits.
• Pregnancy and Maternity Leave – If aIf you are a pregnant woman being discriminated upon,
pregnant woman is not able to perform her duties asor an individual who is witness to any form of
a result of her pregnancy, the company must treat herdiscrimination, you can contact your human resources
situation as they would treat any other disability case.department about the process of filing a complaint.
Pregnant women must be allowed to work until theyYou can also seek legal help.
are able to. If she is absent from work because ofLos Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorneys are
pregnancy related concerns and recovers, theable to help women uphold their rights as a pregnant
company cannot require her to take a leave untilwoman in the workplace. They can also protect
childbirth.women and other individuals who oppose discrimination
The company must also keep the job open forfrom retaliation from employers, the company, or even
pregnancy related issues the same length of timefellow employees.
when other positions are held open for an employeeTo help you pursue claims for pregnancy discrimination
on a disability leave.and other employment cases, consult with our expert
• Health insurance – If a company providesLos Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorneys. Visit
health insurance to its employees then it should alsoour website and call us toll free for immediate legal
cover all pregnancy related conditions the same way itassistance.