Pregnancy discrimination is a form of gender discrimination and is made unlawful by the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (which amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law.
Generally, an employer violates the law when it discriminates against an employee because of or on the basis of “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions”, such as postpartum depression.
Discrimination is prohibited with respect to any aspect of employment, such as hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, such as leave and health insurance, and any other term or condition of employment.
Discrimination may be proven where, for example, an employee is terminated shortly after she announces her pregnancy, or where the employer makes remarks suggesting anti-pregnancy bias.
If you believe you have been subjected to pregnancy discrimination, please contact us to discuss your legal rights.
Pregnancy Discrimination Resources: