Even though pregnancy discrimination is illegal, it still occurs across various industries on an all-too-frequent basis. In the healthcare field and in doctors’ offices, pregnancy discrimination is a serious problem. Even when discrimination is not obvious and blatant, such as refusing to hire a pregnant person or firing a pregnant person, it can still have a profound effect on a person’s life. In fact, The New York Times reports that for every child a woman has, her hourly wages are reduced by 4%, on average. On the contrary, men’s earnings increase by 6% when they become fathers.
If you have been discriminated against in your place of work for being pregnant, our lawyers for pregnancy discrimination in doctors’ offices and healthcare can help. Call us today to learn more about your rights and how we can assist you.
Types of Pregnancy Discrimination in Doctors’ Offices and Healthcare
Women who are working in doctors’ offices and the healthcare industry may experience a range of discriminatory actions taken against them based on their pregnancy status. Examples of discrimination might include:
- Terminating the employment of a pregnant woman;
- Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for a pregnant woman;
- Reducing the hours, pay, or duties of a pregnant woman;
- Threatening, harassing, or otherwise retaliating against a pregnant woman;
- Denying a pregnant woman entitled leave, either paid or unpaid;
- Demoting a pregnant woman; and
- Refusing to reinstate a woman to her previously held position after returning from maternity leave.
Note that pregnancy discrimination may take many different forms. The above actions may be a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
What Should I do if I am Being Discriminated Against?
If you are being discriminated against because you are pregnant, your rights are being violated. Our lawyers strongly recommended creating a written record of all acts of discrimination taken against you, as well as documenting all interactions with your employer or the party performing the discriminatory actions. This documentation can serve as evidence if you bring forth a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you bring forth a claim, your employer is legally barred from retaliating against you.
In addition to gathering evidence, you should also consider consulting with an attorney. An attorney will advise you of your options, as well as important things that you should do throughout the process.
Call Our Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in New Jersey Today
At the law office of McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C., our lawyers for pregnancy discrimination in healthcare & doctors’ offices will fight for your right to work. If you have been discriminated against in the workplace, you can count on us to advocate for you. Our lawyers have years of experience and the know-how that your case demands. If you are facing discrimination because you are pregnant or if you were discriminated against when you were pregnant, call our law firm directly. We offer free consultations and are here to serve you