29-05-2025
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination and Your Rights in New Jersey
Welcoming a child into the world should be a joyful and exciting time—not one overshadowed by fear of losing your job or being treated unfairly at work. Unfortunately, many women in New Jersey still face discrimination in the workplace due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we advocate for the rights of working mothers and expectant employees. If your employer has denied accommodations, treated you differently, or retaliated against you because of your pregnancy, you may have a legal claim for pregnancy discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination is a form of unlawful employment discrimination that occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. It can take many forms, including: Refusing to hire or promote a pregnant person
Reducing work hours or responsibilities after learning of a pregnancy
Forcing an employee to take leave even though they are able and willing to work
Failing to provide reasonable accommodations, such as modified tasks or schedules
Firing or disciplining someone for taking maternity or family leave
Such conduct is prohibited under both the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).
In New Jersey, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, including changes to job duties or work schedules when medically advised. These accommodations might include: Allowing more frequent breaks
Light-duty assignments
Temporary transfers to less hazardous roles
Time off to recover from childbirth
Employers may not retaliate against an employee for requesting accommodations. Denying these requests without justification may constitute discrimination.
Employees in New Jersey may qualify for job-protected leave under multiple statutes, including: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth and bonding with a new child.
– Up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth and bonding with a new child. New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) – Similar protections for bonding leave, often usable consecutively with FMLA.
– Similar protections for bonding leave, often usable consecutively with FMLA. New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits – Provides partial wage replacement during pregnancy and recovery.
– Provides partial wage replacement during pregnancy and recovery. New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) – Pays a portion of wages while bonding with a newborn or caring for a family member.
If your employer discourages, penalizes, or terminates you for using these leave entitlements, that may be grounds for legal action.
Wondering if you've experienced pregnancy discrimination? Some red flags include: A sudden change in your performance reviews after announcing your pregnancy
Exclusion from meetings, training, or advancement opportunities
Being told your pregnancy will 'interfere' with your duties
Discipline or job loss shortly after taking maternity leave
Each of these may be more than just poor treatment—they could be legal violations under state and federal law.
We understand how emotionally and financially stressful pregnancy discrimination can be. Our attorneys at NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC will take the time to understand your experience, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.
We've successfully handled cases involving layoffs during maternity leave, denied accommodations, and retaliation for using family leave. Whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and restore your peace of mind.
If you're experiencing pregnancy discrimination in New Jersey, you don't have to face it alone. Reach out to our team today to take the first step toward justice.
Address:101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About Us:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC represents employees across New Jersey in pregnancy discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and other employment law matters. We are proud to defend the rights of working parents every day.
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