IT IS ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA TO FIRE A WOMAN OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST HER FOR BEING PREGNANT
If you are a pregnant woman, it is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because of your pregnancy. Discrimination can include not hiring, firing, demoting, and not providing benefits made available to other employees, such as health care. In a recent case against Amerigroup, a group of pregnant women received a $225 million settlement, plus an additional $9 million for attorneys’ fees after they demonstrated that their employer, Amerigroup, had wrongfully denied Medicaid coverage to them in an effort to illegally cut costs.
Federally, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits employers from discriminating against a female employee on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The law states that women who are pregnant or affected by related conditions must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations. Specifically, health insurance provided by your employer must cover expenses for your pregnancy-related conditions just as it would cover costs for other medical conditions. California law also protects you if you are a pregnant employee. An experienced employment attorney will help you make sure your rights as a pregnant woman in the work place are being protected.
Pregnancy discrimination is illegal. If you live in California and believe you have been the victim of any type of pregnancy discrimination, including termination, not receiving appropriate benefits, or demotion, call the law offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) NOW. You will receive a free consultation regarding your legal rights and learn how one of our experienced employment lawyers may be able to help you.
