What is pregnancy discrimination?

Many Wisconsin women who become pregnant find themselves the victim of discrimination in the workplace. This can be due to the pregnancy itself, becoming a new mother or a medical condition that is related to the pregnancy. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects expectant mothers from unfair treatment when applying for a job or continuing work.

If a mother is unable to work, she may apply for benefits just like a disabled worker. The employer often reviews the woman’s work and makes necessary changes to protect the employee and unborn child. 

Pregnant women are the easy targets of harassment in the workplace and often find themselves the victims of discrimination. Women are turned away from jobs are overlooked for promotions due to their condition that will end shortly — pregnancy.

An employer cannot single out an employee because she is pregnant. It is illegal to discriminate against pregnant women in the workplace. The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 authorized 12 weeks of paid or unpaid leave for new mothers. This time can be used to care for the new baby. There are certain requirements that must be met to qualify for this leave. These requirements include having had worked at the place of employment for 12 months or more.

New mothers have additional rights that are protected under the Family Medical Leave Act. Other acts, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, also protect new mothers, such as one’s right to breastfeed while at their place of work. If you feel that you have been the victim of discrimination, speaking with an experienced attorney might be very beneficial.      

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