Business Fighting Pregnancy Rayan April 18, 2025 0 Comments

Fighting Pregnancy Discrimination in Egg Harbor Township: Protecting Your Rights

Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, not fear of losing your job or facing unfair treatment at work. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination is still a reality in many workplaces, where employees are treated unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. If you’ve experienced pregnancy discrimination in Egg Harbor Township, you have legal rights. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand those rights and fight for justice.

What is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This type of discrimination can happen at any stage of employment, from hiring decisions to promotions, job assignments, and even termination.

Legal Protections Against Pregnancy Discrimination

Both federal and state laws protect employees from pregnancy discrimination:

Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): A federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It requires that pregnant employees be treated the same as other employees with similar abilities or limitations.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, and bonding with a new child.
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Offers broader protections than federal laws, explicitly prohibiting pregnancy discrimination and requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions.

Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace

Pregnancy discrimination can be subtle or blatant. Some common examples include:

Hiring Bias: Refusing to hire someone because they are pregnant or may become pregnant in the future.
Unfair Job Assignments: Removing pregnant employees from certain roles without a medical reason or against their wishes.
Denial of Promotions: Overlooking qualified candidates for promotions due to pregnancy or the assumption they will take maternity leave.
Harassment: Making derogatory comments about pregnancy, maternity leave, or parenting responsibilities.
Unlawful Termination: Firing an employee because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Retaliation: Punishing an employee for requesting pregnancy-related accommodations or filing a complaint about discrimination.

Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Employees

Under the NJLAD and federal laws, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

Modified work schedules to accommodate medical appointments
Allowing more frequent breaks to rest, hydrate, or use the restroom
Providing light-duty assignments or temporary job modifications
Permitting the employee to sit rather than stand during long shifts
Offering remote work options if feasible

What to Do If You Experience Pregnancy Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been subjected to pregnancy discrimination, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
Review Company Policies: Check your employer’s anti-discrimination and accommodation policies to understand how to report issues internally.
File an Internal Complaint: Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor, and follow up in writing to create a record.
Seek Legal Advice: If your complaint is ignored or if you face retaliation, consult an experienced employment lawyer to explore your legal options.

How an Employment Lawyer Can Help

Pregnancy discrimination cases can be complex, especially when employers try to justify their actions with non-discriminatory reasons. An experienced employment lawyer can:

Evaluate your case to determine if your rights were violated under federal and state laws
Help gather evidence, such as emails, performance reviews, and witness statements
File complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
Negotiate settlements for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
Represent you in court if your case proceeds to litigation

Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?

When facing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, you need legal advocates committed to Protecting Your Rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience representing employees in pregnancy discrimination cases throughout Egg Harbor Township and New Jersey. Their legal team is dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for individuals who have experienced unfair treatment based on pregnancy or related conditions.

Take Action Today—Don’t Let Pregnancy Discrimination Go Unchallenged

Your pregnancy should never be a barrier to fair treatment in the workplace. If you’ve experienced pregnancy discrimination, don’t hesitate to seek legal support. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.