Pregnancy Discrimination In Boston
It is against the law for employers or prospective employers to discriminate against an employee or candidate who is pregnant. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination happens in workplaces across the country.
The attorneys at Gordon Law Group, LLP — based in Boston, MA — regularly represent victims of pregnancy discrimination in Boston and throughout the U.S. Our legal professionals understand employment discrimination laws and advocate for victims’ rights. When you choose Gordon Law, you can be confident that your discrimination case is in good hands. Our attorneys are frequently cited among the best employment lawyers in the nation.
Recognizing Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
Discrimination based on pregnancy essentially involves treating an employee or candidate differently because of the worker’s potential, current or past pregnancy, or based on recent childbirth. This type of discrimination can also relate to unfair treatment based on breastfeeding or any medical conditions that are related to the worker’s pregnancy or childbirth.
Sometimes, an incident of pregnancy discrimination at work is obvious, such as when an employer terminates a person’s employment because she is pregnant or on maternity leave. In other situations, however, pregnant workers may find they are treated unfairly after announcing their pregnancy or upon returning to work after giving birth by being demoted, being denied promotions or being given less favorable work assignments. Harassment based on pregnancy, which may take the form of a hostile work environment, is also against the law.
Not all unfavorable employment decisions or requirements constitute unlawful pregnancy discrimination, however. For example, if an employer’s policies require employees to provide medical documentation when taking sick leave, it is not discrimination to require the same type of documentation when taking time off due to pregnancy. Similarly, if a pregnant candidate is not hired because there is another candidate who is more qualified for the job based on previous work experience, the employment decision is not discriminatory.
Federal and state laws protect pregnant workers, requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and provide parental leave for pregnancy and childbirth. The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (MMLA) all include specific protections for pregnant people.
A Skilled Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
Gordon Law Group, LLP is a recognized leader when it comes to employee advocacy. Our firm’s focus is on employment law, and our legal team has decades of experience holding employers accountable for unlawful discriminatory actions. Our pregnancy discrimination attorneys and legal staff represent victims of pregnancy discrimination at all levels and stages of their careers — from service workers to senior executives — in all industries and in all workplace settings.
If you believe you were the victim of unlawful discrimination because of a potential, current or recent pregnancy, contact Gordon Law Group, LLP today to schedule a consultation. An experienced employment law attorney will listen to you and help you understand your options, should you choose to pursue your legal rights under the law.