Pregnancy is often a joyful experience for many mothers-to-be, but it can also bring about many worries. In addition to concerns over the growth and well-being of the baby, many women in New York and elsewhere worry about whether they could face pregnancy discrimination at work. Unfortunately, such discrimination is a common occurrence.
One woman in another state recently filed an appeal in relation to a lawsuit against her former employer regarding pregnancy discrimination. After becoming pregnant, the woman’s doctor told her that she should not lift more than 50 lbs. As an EMT, she often moved patients onto stretchers and carried out other duties that involved lifting significant weight. As a result, she requested light duty or temporary reassignment to dispatch. However, her request was denied as the company claimed that it only allowed modified duty to individuals who have been injured on the job.
The company told the woman that her only option involved taking 90 days of unpaid leave and not obtaining other employment during that time. The woman was also told that she would have to leave her position if she did not return at a date specified by her employer. The woman filed suit against the company, but that case was dismissed by a district judge. Now, the woman is appealing her case in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Facing negative reactions to pregnancy can cause any mother-to-be to experience difficult emotions. When those reactions come from employers and a job is negatively affected, individuals in this type of situation may want to explore their legal options. Pregnancy discrimination has no place in a work environment, and New York residents may have reason to move forward with legal claims.