| You've found out that you are expecting, and along | | | | employment and security for you and your baby. |
| with the joy and anticipation that comes along with this | | | | Know Your Rights Pregnancy discrimination is defined |
| news you are also wondering how you are going to | | | | as discrimination that occurs when expecting mothers |
| break it to your boss. While you may be tickled pink at | | | | are fired from a job, or face discrimination because of |
| the arrival of a baby, your boss may be less | | | | their pregnancy or decision to become pregnant. |
| enthusiastic about the news. Unfortunately, some | | | | Example of pregnancy discrimination include: being |
| bosses regard pregnancy as a liability and they do not | | | | dismissed from a position once the employer is aware |
| want expecting mothers and new mothers to be on | | | | of the pregnancy, being dismissed upon returning after |
| their staff. In fact, some women are shocked to find | | | | maternity leave, having one's pay deducted because |
| that they were suddenly let go from a position they | | | | of the pregnancy, or not being hired for a position |
| had for years because they became pregnant. | | | | because of a pregnancy. |
| If you feel that you were unjustly fired from a job due | | | | The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was passed by the |
| to your pregnancy, or your boss told you they just | | | | U.S. Congress in 1978. According to this piece of |
| couldn't handle the liability or maternity leave, you need | | | | legislature, employers must provide insurance, paid |
| to know about your legal rights as an expecting mom. | | | | leave, and support to expecting mothers that they are |
| Even though you may have the nicest boss in the | | | | able to give to other employees who are on medical |
| world, it is still important to be prepared incase you are | | | | leave or disability. This means that pregnant |
| suddenly faced with a case of pregnancy | | | | employees are to be given the same treatment as |
| discrimination. In the year 2006 alone, the Equal | | | | any other employer who is dealing with a temporary |
| Employment Opportunity Commission received 4,901 | | | | disability. For example, if an employer is able to offer |
| pregnancy discrimination charges. | | | | an injured employee light work, than the employer |
| Talk With Your Boss Immediately As soon as you | | | | should also be able to offer light work to expectant |
| have confirmed your pregnancy it is important to have | | | | mothers in their latter trimesters. |
| a frank discussion with your boss at once. It is | | | | According to this act, expectant mothers must be able |
| understandable if you do not want the rest of your | | | | to work as long as they can perform their job duties, |
| office to know about the pregnancy right away, but | | | | and an employer cannot stop an employee from |
| you should still talk with your boss. Let your boss know | | | | returning to work after taking maternity leave. Single |
| when your due date is, determine how many weeks | | | | parents need to be aware that pregnancy benefits |
| of maternity leave you can expect, and how many | | | | cannot only be offered to married employees; the |
| sick days you are allowed. | | | | same benefits need to be provided to single parents |
| At this first meeting with your boss, be honest with | | | | as well. |
| your boss if you are concerned about keeping your | | | | Some states and programs have expanded on the |
| job. Your boss may either reassure your position, or | | | | original Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and it is vital that |
| confirm your fears; either way you will honestly know | | | | you are aware of your legal rights in your State |
| how your boss feels so that you can take the steps | | | | before you speak with your boss about your |
| you need to in order to ensure that you have | | | | pregnancy. |