If you’re pregnant and starting to feel like your job has become a hostile, uncomfortable, or unfair place — you’re not imagining it. Pregnancy discrimination is real, it’s illegal, and unfortunately, it still happens in workplaces across California every day.
At Employee Rights Attorney Group, we help women who’ve been unfairly treated, demoted, denied accommodations, or even fired just for being pregnant. You deserve better — and the law is on your side.
What Counts as Unfair Treatment at Work Due to Pregnancy?
Unfair treatment can range from subtle changes in behavior to outright hostility or termination. Here are examples of illegal or discriminatory behavior pregnant employees often face:
- Being denied breaks or time off for prenatal visits or other medical care
- Being refused light-duty work or modified work schedule, despite a medical need
- False negative comments about your ability to work or “keep up”
- A sudden reduction in hours, pay, or responsibilities
- Being excluded from meetings, projects, or promotions
- Demotion or termination shortly after announcing pregnancy
- Employer retaliation after you request accommodations or file a complaint
This is not a complete list of examples. But, if you’ve experienced any of the above, your employer could be violating state or federal law.
Your Legal Rights as a Pregnant Employee in California
California offers some of the strongest protections for pregnant workers in the country. These include:
- Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): Up to 4 months of job-protected leave if you’re disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
- Family and Medical Leave (FMLA/CFRA): Up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to bond with your baby or care for a serious health condition.
- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): A federal law requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and related medical needs.
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Makes it illegal for employers to discriminate, harass, deny medical accommodations, or retaliate against pregnant employees.
How to Respond If You’re Being Treated Unfairly
1. Document Everything
Keep a journal and save emails, texts, HR complaints, and performance reviews. This evidence is critical if you need to take legal action.
2. Request Accommodations in Writing
If you need lighter duties, time off for medical appointments, or a modified schedule, submit a written request to your employer or HR.
3. Speak to Human Resources
HR is legally required to investigate discrimination claims. Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy for your records. Complain to the highest level HR person.
4. Don’t Quit Without Legal Advice
Quitting could affect your case. Although if an environment becomes objectively intolerable within the meaning of the law you may have a claim for constructive wrongful termination, you should consult an attorney first before making a decision to quit.
5. Contact a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney
If the unfair treatment continues or escalates, you do not have to wait until you are fired to speak with an attorney. Speaking with a lawyer is your next best move.
Can You Sue for Being Treated Unfairly While Pregnant?
Yes — if your employer is violating your rights or discriminating against you, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination or pregnancy discrimination lawsuit. Compensation may include:
- Back pay and lost benefits
- Emotional distress damages
- Reinstatement or severance
- Legal fees and court costs
- Punitive damages in extreme cases
However, depending on your facts, you may also retain an attorney to negotiate a confidential severance package or a confidential settlement without filing a lawsuit.
Why Choose Employee Rights Attorney Group
At Employee Rights Attorney Group, we’ve helped women across Los Angeles and Southern California stand up to unfair treatment in the workplace. Led by top attorney Diana Gevorkian, we’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients. We have helped many clients wronged due to pregnancy-related discrimination, retaliation, and termination. We will provide an individualized assessment of your case and will stay on top of your matter. What makes us stand out is our emphasis on the client. We will stay in touch with you and keep you informed throughout the process so that you never feel lost or alone. Our attention to detail and unique aspects of your situation leads to a good outcome and a new start.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Better
No one should feel stressed, scared, or ashamed at work because of pregnancy. If you’re being treated unfairly, take a deep breath — and take action. You’re not alone, and you’re not powerless.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
