Atlanta Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney
Pregnant workers are routinely fired simply for being pregnant, while new mothers are often turned down for jobs because employers believe they will be a financial liability. In both of these scenarios, the employer broke the law. Atlanta pregnancy discrimination attorney Christine Forsythe at The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC can help you take action by filing a pregnancy discrimination claim against your employer if you have been subjected to any type of discrimination or harassment due to your pregnancy or recent childbirth. We also represent employers who have been unfairly accused of discrimination.
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
Pregnancy discrimination is illegal under two laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is unlawful to make an unfavorable employment decision based on an employee’s real or perceived pregnancy status, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Examples of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace include the following:
- Firing an employee because she is expecting a child
- Refusing to hire a candidate because she is pregnant
- Removing an employee from a desirable position or project because of her pregnancy
- Taking away benefits or refusing benefits because an employee recently gave birth
- Firing an employee because she got an abortion
- Firing an employee because she used birth control
- Harassing an employee because she is pregnant
- Creating or allowing a hostile work environment that discriminates based on pregnancy or childbirth
- Reducing a pregnant worker’s hours because of her pregnancy status
- Harassing or firing an employee because she breastfed at work
Employers Do Not Have to Provide Paid Time Off
Georgia employers do not have to provide paid time off unless it is in the employment contract. However, employers with 50 or more employees, and public and private elementary schools, must provide employees with an unpaid, job-protected leave, including keeping them on any medical insurance plan the employee was on through work, for various reasons. Childbirth is one of those reasons. An employer must also provide up to 12 weeks off within a 12 month period for workers who have given birth to a child.
Employers Must Make Reasonable Accommodations
Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which goes into law June, 2023, employers are obligated to make reasonable accommodations for employees with limitations due to pregnancy or childbirth. Examples of such reasonable accommodations would be allowing more frequent restroom breaks, providing a space for breastfeeding or pumping, or allowing the employee to work from home. An employer does not have to make an accommodation that would cause the employer undue hardship.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney Today For Help
Were you fired or demoted because of your pregnancy? As an employer, are you facing accusations of wrongdoing for discriminating against a pregnant worker? We handle employee discrimination claims, as well as defend employers who have been wrongly accused. Call The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC today at 404.476.2717 to schedule a consultation with Atlanta employment lawyer Christine Forsythe.
