What is Pregnancy Discrimination in San Francisco?
What is pregnancy discrimination in San Francisco? Under California law, pregnancy discrimination can take many different forms. It may involve subjecting a job applicant or an employee to adverse actions because of their pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition. For example, an employer might decide not to hire a job applicant because they are pregnant or an employer might demote an employee after learning of the employee’s pregnancy. Pregnancy discrimination can also include harassment. If you believe you have experienced any adverse action or discrimination based on pregnancy or a related medical condition, you should immediately consult a employment lawyer.
The California Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is part of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), provides protections against pregnancy discrimination on a state level. At the federal level, San Francisco employees are protected against pregnancy discrimination or harassment under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which is part of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
State and federal law protect against a wide range of issues and conditions related to pregnancy, including all of the following according to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):
- Current pregnancy;
- Past pregnancy;
- Potential pregnancy;
- Medication condition related to pregnancy or childbirth;
- Breastfeeding/lactation;
- Having or choosing not to have an abortion; and
- Birth control (contraception).
Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in San Francisco Workplaces
What does pregnancy discrimination look like when it happens? This type of unlawful discrimination can take a wide range of forms. The following are just some examples to consider:
- Refusing to hire a pregnant job applicant;
- Denying leave to a pregnant employee;
- Retaliating against a pregnant employee for becoming pregnant;
- Harassing an employee for having an abortion;
- Denying an employee a place or time to pump;
- Promoting only employees who have not given birth;
- Terminating an employee who has indicated plans to become pregnant; and/or
- Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee with a pregnancy-related medical condition.
To be clear, the above examples are only a small handful of instances involving unlawful pregnancy discrimination. There are many other ways that pregnancy discrimination can manifest, and it is critical to seek legal advice if you have any concerns at all about pregnancy discrimination in your workplace.
Reach Out to Our San Francisco Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers
If you believe you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, it is critical to hold the employer accountable. Pregnancy discrimination is unlawful under state and federal law, and you may be entitled to damages in addition to other remedies, such as job reinstatement if you were wrongfully terminated as a result of your pregnancy. The advocates at Venardi Zurada LLP are committed to representing employees who have experienced pregnancy discrimination in California. Contact our experienced San Francisco pregnancy discrimination lawyer today for more information about filing a claim. Call us at (833) 893-6763 or contact us online to schedule a consultation .
