Not hiring someone just because they are going to have a baby is unfair. There are laws that protect people from being treated unfairly because they are pregnant. Even if employers don’t say it directly, they might still avoid hiring pregnant people for unfair reasons. It is important that everyone gets an equal chance when looking for a job.
Laws that protect pregnant workers
There are federal laws that make it illegal to treat pregnant people unfairly. These laws are called the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. They say that employers have to treat pregnancy the same as any other temporary medical condition. Employers cannot refuse to hire someone just because they are pregnant or planning to have a baby.
Washington state also has its own laws that provide extra protections for pregnant workers. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) and the Healthy Starts Act say employers need to make reasonable accommodations, like giving flexible hours, lighter duties, or extra breaks to pregnant workers.
Unfair hiring practices and consequences
Pregnancy discrimination can happen in different ways. An employer might decide not to interview or hire a pregnant person, ask inappropriate questions about their family plans, or assume they can’t do the job. These actions are illegal and can lead to serious consequences for the employer, such as lawsuits, fines, and damage to their reputation.
Employers who discriminate against pregnant people can face penalties from government agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or state labor agencies. People who have faced discrimination can also sue to receive compensation for lost wages, emotional stress, and other damages.
How to handle pregnancy discrimination
People who experience pregnancy discrimination should keep records of what happened and get legal advice. Employers should make sure their hiring practices follow anti-discrimination laws by training managers and reviewing hiring procedures. Creating a workplace that supports pregnant workers helps make the environment fair and welcoming for everyone.
Being fair during hiring helps both workers and employers. By preventing discrimination, employers can build a workplace that respects all employees, no matter their situation.