Pregnancy should be a time of joy, not stress—especially when it comes to your job. Unfortunately, many women in New Jersey still face discrimination at work simply because they are expecting a child. Whether it’s being denied accommodations, harassed, or even fired, pregnancy discrimination remains a serious issue across all industries. Fortunately, the law is on your side.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a woman unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This includes actions like:
- Refusing to hire a pregnant woman.
- Firing or demoting an employee because she is pregnant.
- Denying accommodations such as modified duties or breaks.
- Failing to grant maternity leave that complies with the law.
Such practices are not only unethical—they’re illegal under both federal and New Jersey law.
Your Legal Protections in New Jersey
New Jersey has some of the strongest employee protections in the country. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) specifically prohibits pregnancy discrimination. In addition, the New Jersey Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees—including bathroom breaks, rest breaks, and schedule modifications—unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the business.
Moreover, the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 24-month period for childbirth or to care for a newborn, without fear of losing their job.
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination can be subtle or overt. Here are some real-world scenarios:
- An employer refuses to let a pregnant worker sit during her shift, even though it wouldn’t interfere with her job.
- A pregnant employee is excluded from important meetings and projects after revealing her pregnancy.
- Someone is terminated shortly after announcing their pregnancy, under the guise of “restructuring.”
If you recognize these red flags in your own experience, it may be time to speak to an employment lawyer.
How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we understand how difficult it is to confront workplace injustice during a vulnerable time. We offer legal representation for women across New Jersey who have experienced pregnancy-related discrimination. Our attorneys are skilled in navigating both state and federal claims and will help you seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
Whether you’re in Atlantic County or any part of New Jersey, our firm is ready to listen and fight for your rights. You should never have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a successful career.
Documenting Discrimination
If you believe you are being discriminated against due to pregnancy, document everything. Save emails, make notes of conversations, and keep track of performance reviews. These records can be invaluable if legal action becomes necessary.
Don’t Wait—Take Action
Pregnancy discrimination cases are time-sensitive. There are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing claims. Reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible ensures that you preserve your rights and options.
Contact Us
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is proud to advocate for the rights of working women in New Jersey. We offer honest assessments of your case and aggressive representation when your rights have been violated. If we cannot take your case, we’ll refer you to another qualified attorney who can help.
Get in Touch Today
Address:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027