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Employers Blocking New Opportunities For Pregnant Workers Is Discrimination

Bringing a new life into the world is thought to be an occasion that is all about new opportunities. However, for some pregnant employees, this joyous occasion is used to stifle and crush their opportunities within the workplace. Any person that has this type of experience is also a victim of pregnancy discrimination. Discrimination should never be tolerated in the workplace.

Stifling Opportunities

If an employer denies a pregnant employee a new opportunity within the workplace solely because they are pregnant, this action is a form of discrimination. An instance where a pregnant employee is denied a leadership role or not given an important account or client for which they are qualified — and the reason for them not being given the role or account is that they are pregnant — is an example of an employer stifling their opportunities. 

Pregnant or not, when an employee works hard and meets the requirements for a specific role or job assignment, they should be provided an equal opportunity to advance. 

Documentation Is Paramount

With pregnancy discrimination, actions alone are not enough to prove wrongdoing. It's critical that you also prove intent. A large part of this process involves collecting documentation. Take someone who was up for a promotion but was denied the position after their pregnancy was discovered, for example. 

Documents that the once positive communication with management about the promotion stopped as soon as the pregnancy was discovered can help prove this intent. A detailed job description, your work history, your resume, and details about the person who was offered the position are also helpful, especially if you are more qualified for the role. 

Matters Must Be Handled Sensitively

It's essential to handle this type of matter with a certain level of sensitivity. Rule number one is to not retaliate. In some instances, a missed opportunity might look like discrimination and be something entirely different. 

It's often best to take the information you have to an attorney without informing your employer to determine if you have a valid case. Based on the findings of the attorney, they will tell you how to move forward and assist you in filing any necessary complaints in the workplace or court. 

Do you think you have been involved in a case of pregnancy discrimination? Now is the time for you to speak up. Sit down with a workplace pregnancy discrimination lawyer to discuss your situation and learn what course of action you should follow to protect your rights. 


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