Pregnancy should be a time of excitement, not anxiety about your job. Yet, many workers in California quietly face unfair treatment at work simply because they are expecting a child. Pregnancy discrimination happens more often than people think, and it does not always look like outright firing.
California has some of the strongest pregnancy protections in the country, but not every employer follows the rules. Sadly, some workers are still sidelined, questioned about their commitment or even punished for taking legally protected leave.
Baby on board, but rights left behind?
Pregnancy discrimination can take different forms. Here are some common examples California employees might experience:
- Being denied time off for prenatal appointments
- Being fired or demoted after announcing a pregnancy
- Not receiving light-duty adjustments, even when requested with a doctor’s note
- Being left out of meetings or promotions
- Facing negative comments or pressure to return from leave early
- Being pressured to take leave early, even when they’re capable and willing to work
- Not being allowed to return to their original position after taking pregnancy or parental leave
- Receiving unfair performance reviews tied to pregnancy-related absences or limitations
Under California law, pregnant workers are protected by several laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL). These laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodations and protect workers from being treated unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions.
Still, many do not know their rights until it is too late. Others stay quiet out of fear of losing their jobs or being judged by coworkers. That is why legal guidance is so important. If someone suspects they are being treated unfairly due to pregnancy, speaking with a legal team can help them understand their rights and take action. Every expecting parent deserves to feel safe and supported, not punished, for growing their family.