Pregnancy is a significant and personal milestone, yet for many women in the workforce, it also becomes a source of unfair treatment and discrimination. Despite decades of progress and legal protections, pregnancy discrimination continues to affect working women across New Jersey. It is essential that employees understand their rights and that employers are held accountable for violations of the law.

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we proudly advocate for pregnant employees facing discrimination, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect while safeguarding their legal rights. Understanding pregnancy discrimination is the first step in preventing and addressing it effectively.

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when a woman is treated unfavorably in the workplace because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This type of discrimination can happen at any stage of employment — from hiring and promotions to layoffs and job duties.

Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:

• Refusing to hire someone because they are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• Terminating an employee after learning she is expecting a child.
• Denying reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy.
• Failing to allow time off for prenatal appointments or maternity leave.

Legal Protections for Pregnant Employees in New Jersey

New Jersey provides robust protections for pregnant employees through both federal and state laws. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), part of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. In addition, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) explicitly prohibits pregnancy discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, such as modified duties or additional breaks.

New Jersey’s Pregnant Workers Fairness Act further enhances these protections by requiring employers to accommodate pregnancy-related needs unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.

Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Workers

Reasonable accommodations can include a variety of adjustments that allow pregnant employees to perform their job safely and effectively. These may include:

• Temporary reassignment to less strenuous duties.
• More frequent restroom breaks.
• A modified work schedule or work-from-home option.
• Time off for prenatal visits or recovery.

Employers cannot force an employee to take leave if they are still able to work with accommodations, and they must engage in an interactive process to determine what accommodations are appropriate.

How to Respond to Pregnancy Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against due to your pregnancy, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. These steps include:

1. Documenting all interactions and keeping records of any discriminatory treatment.
2. Filing an internal complaint with your employer or HR department.
3. Consulting an experienced employment lawyer to assess your legal options.
4. Filing a claim with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), if necessary.

You Don’t Have to Face Discrimination Alone

Being pregnant should never be a reason to face hostility, job loss, or reduced opportunities at work. Our legal team at NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is dedicated to empowering pregnant employees with the legal support they need to stand up against discrimination. We work diligently to ensure our clients receive the accommodations they are entitled to and seek compensation when rights have been violated.

If you believe you’ve experienced workplace discrimination due to pregnancy in Atlantic County, you have legal options. Our attorneys are ready to listen to your story and help you take the next step toward justice.

About NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we represent employees across the state of New Jersey in matters involving discrimination, harassment, misclassification, whistleblower retaliation, and more. We are passionate about defending the rights of workers and committed to securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

Contact Information:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027