Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination is a form of sex discrimination, made illegal by Title VII. Employers may not discriminate against employees because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions in any aspect of employment, from hiring to firing. 

Employers must treat pregnant employees who are temporarily unable to work due to pregnancy just as they treat other employees who are temporarily disabled -- no better and no worse. If an employer provides disability leave to employees with serious illnesses, for example, it must provide the same leave to an employee who is temporarily disabled by pregnancy. 

This section explains what pregnancy discrimination is and how to protect your rights.