Pregnancy discrimination is the unfair treatment of a woman in the workplace due to pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical condition. It is illegal.

However, the law doesn’t prevent it from occurring, especially against marginalized communities. If you’re a pregnant Black woman who is either employed or seeking employment, understanding your rights and the laws that protect you is important. Here, we provide some facts and advice about pregnancy discrimination to inform and empower your action.

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?

As we mentioned, pregnancy discrimination entails a woman getting treated unfavorably by an employer because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.

This can manifest in various ways, such as being denied a promotion, being forced to take leave, or even being dismissed from your job. In the job search, it can manifest as denied employment.

What the Law Says

It’s essential to recognize that such actions are not only unethical but also illegal under laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Intersection of Racial and Pregnancy Discrimination

While pregnancy discrimination can affect any woman, pregnant Black women often face additional layers of bias. This intersection of racial and pregnancy discrimination can lead to compounded negative experiences in the workplace.

Employers might subject pregnant Black women to harsher scrutiny, stereotypes, or assumptions about their capabilities. It’s vital to be aware of these dynamics and to know that you are entitled to the same rights and protections as anyone else.

What You Can Do

Despite its illegality, pregnancy discrimination still occurs. Below is some advice to help you navigate the concern.

Know Your Rights:

On top of knowing that pregnancy discrimination is illegal, you should also know your workplace rights as a pregnant woman. For one, you have the right to reasonable accommodations, such as more frequent breaks or modified duties. Additionally, your employer cannot force you to take maternity leave earlier than required or penalize you for taking it.

Document and Report:

If you experience discrimination, document all occurrences meticulously. Keep records of emails, conversations, and incidents that exhibit discriminatory behavior. Reporting this to your HR department or seeking legal counsel can provide you with the necessary support to address these issues.

With these facts and advice about pregnancy discrimination, you are better equipped to protect your rights and well-being. You deserve to thrive in a respectful and equitable work environment—don’t settle for or dismiss less.