No, your employer cannot force you to take pregnancy leave. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires employers to allow pregnant employees to work for as long as they are able to perform their jobs. Therefore, as long as you can perform your job with your pregnancy you are entitled to continue to work.
Additionally, if you need to take an absence from work due to your pregnancy, your employer cannot force you to remain on leave until the birth of your child. As long as you recover and are able to perform your job, you are entitled to work.
An employer is also prohibited from creating a rule that prevents an employee from returning to work for a predetermined length of time following childbirth.
If you feel that you were wrongly required to take leave due to your pregnancy, we can help. At McOmber McOmber & Luber, we take a proactive approach to each and every legal issue our clients face. Call our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation.