Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation—not fear and unfair treatment at work. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination remains a common issue across New Jersey, affecting women’s careers, health, and economic security. From denied promotions to job termination, these illegal practices continue to harm working mothers and mothers-to-be.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are fierce advocates for employees facing pregnancy discrimination. We help protect your legal rights so you can focus on your health, your family, and your future.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Under both federal and New Jersey laws, this type of discrimination is strictly prohibited.
Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
- Refusing to hire or promote someone due to pregnancy
- Firing an employee because she is pregnant or planning to take maternity leave
- Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions
- Requiring a pregnant employee to take leave when she is able and willing to work
- Retaliating against an employee who asserts her pregnancy-related rights
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) provide robust protections for workers in these situations.
Your Right to Pregnancy Accommodations
New Jersey law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees when requested based on a physician’s advice. These accommodations may include:
- Frequent breaks
- Modified work schedules
- Light-duty assignments
- Seating accommodations
- Temporary transfers to less hazardous positions
Employers must provide these accommodations unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. If your employer refuses or penalizes you for requesting adjustments, that’s a violation of your rights.
Protection During and After Maternity Leave
Employees in New Jersey may be entitled to job-protected leave under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). These laws allow qualifying employees to take unpaid leave for childbirth, bonding with a newborn, and related medical conditions—without fear of losing their job.
Additionally, the New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits Law and Family Leave Insurance programs provide partial wage replacement for eligible employees during and after pregnancy.
How to Identify Pregnancy Discrimination
Sometimes pregnancy discrimination is blatant; other times, it’s more subtle. Warning signs may include:
- Sudden negative performance reviews after announcing your pregnancy
- Being excluded from meetings, projects, or opportunities
- Pressure to delay or avoid taking maternity leave
- Changes to your role or responsibilities without justification
- Hostile or inappropriate comments about your pregnancy
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your career and rights.
How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help
We’ve helped many employees across New Jersey successfully pursue claims for pregnancy discrimination. Our attorneys will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and take swift legal action if your rights have been violated.
Whether your goal is to return to your job, negotiate a severance, or seek damages in court, we provide personalized legal strategies to achieve the outcome that’s best for you and your family.
If you’re in New Jersey and have been laid off while pregnant or on maternity leave, we urge you to speak with us today. Your rights matter—and we’re here to enforce them.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Address:
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About Us:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC represents individuals across New Jersey in employment law matters including pregnancy discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and more. We’re here to stand up for working families when they need it most.
