The Issue
It is illegal to discriminate against a woman because she is pregnant or has a child. There are both federal and state laws protecting us. However, of all the different types of discrimination, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commision reports the largest rate of increase in pregnancy discrimination charges.
The Mission
To provide information and support to women fighting pregnancy discrimination. Contact us if you would like information not listed on the Legal Resources page.
To form a network of organizations and groups that fight pregnancy discrimination. Contact us if you would like to exchange links on the Aligened Orgs page.
Angelika's Story
I am in the middle of a lawsuit with my former employer. During my pregnancy I had problems with depression and attended a day hospital for 2.5 weeks. When I got back from that medical leave I was told that my performance had deteriorated and that I should be put on a performance improvement plan. I had very good performance reviews from my manager, peers, and direct reports in March 2007. I declared my pregnancy in April 2007.
I went on 8 weeks maternity leave in Dec 2007, fully paid by the disability insurance. One hour after I returned to work from maternity leave I was told that I had been permanently removed from all projects and that my direct reports had been re-assigned. I would also be put on a performance review plan (yes - directly following maternity leave), and that if I didn't like it I could take a compensation package.
I tried everything I could to get transfered to another department, but with a performance review looming over my head, no one could take me, though everyone I spoke with said they would love to work with me. When asked, the HR rep didn't think I was being discriminated against, since my boss had provided enough information. She further said that she would bring it to the attention of the people responsible for such complaints in house, but that they would probably take a couple of months to get back to me...
My next stop was the Massachussetts Commission Against Discrimination...