Pregnancy Rights and Discrimination Law
Understanding Your Pregnancy Rights at Work
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you have extensive legal protections under federal and state law. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and New York Human Rights Law all provide crucial protections for expecting mothers in the workplace.
Common Pregnancy Discrimination Issues
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms, and recognizing these violations is the first step toward protecting your rights:
- Denial of reasonable accommodations during pregnancy
- Termination or demotion after announcing pregnancy
- Retaliation for requesting maternity leave
- Denial of pumping/lactation accommodations for nursing mothers
- Forced unpaid leave when accommodations would allow continued work
- Harassment or hostile work environment due to pregnancy
New York's Groundbreaking Prenatal Leave Law
As of January 1, 2025, New York became the first state to mandate 20 hours of paid prenatal leave annually for all pregnant employees. This historic law covers fertility treatments, prenatal appointments, and pregnancy-related medical care, regardless of company size or employment duration.
Why Choose Family Beginnings
As a nonprofit law firm dedicated to pregnancy and family rights, we offer:
- Free initial consultations for all pregnancy discrimination cases
- Accessible legal representation
- Direct employer communication to resolve issues efficiently
- Comprehensive support through prenatal, natal, and postpartum stages