Pregnancy Discrimination Claims Grow

With expanded participation of women in the workforce, there is a need to adapt the workplace to pregnant and breast-feeding workers. Enacted in 1978, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act banned employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Most employers are aware that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines "pregnancy discrimination" as "treating a woman unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth."  Employers can't discriminate on the basis of pregnancy by refusing to hire, train, promote or provide equal pay, insurance or other benefits because of an employee's pregnancy.  Nor can an employer discriminate against a pregnant worker or applicant because of customer, co-worker or client prejudice.