Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects women from being discriminated against because they are pregnant or can become pregnant.  As long as the woman can perform the major functions of her job and employer cannot refuse to hire her because of his or her prejudices against pregnant workers or the prejudices of coworkers, clients or customers.

The working atmosphere has severely changed from the 1950's to today.  In 1950 one in three women worked.  In the 1980's that number was three in five.  Today that number is even higher.  In 2008, women made up 48 percent of the labor force and men 52 percent.  Yet, pregnancy discrimination still exists.  That is why Title VII protects the rights of women by ensuring that an employer hold open a job for a pregnant related absence the same length of time jobs are held open for employees on sick or disability leave.  It also makes sure that an employer can't prohibit a woman from working because she is pregnant as long as it does not affect her job performance.  And, if benefits are offered to employees on leave, the employer must provide the same benefits for those on leave for pregnancy related conditions.

If at your workplace you feel you are being discriminated against based on pregnancy discrimination, please call the Law Offices of Alitowski and Moore at 888-ASK-ANDREW or contact us online.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have.