California Maternity Leave Laws And Pregnancy Discrimination

What Working Mothers Need to Know About Maternity Disability

An expectant mother has more than enough to contend with without also dealing with the stress of her employer’s pregnancy discrimination. That is why there are discrimination and California maternity leave laws in place. They should help women who have been the victims of pregnancy discrimination fight back against their employers. If you or a loved one has been the victim of pregnancy discrimination that involved an employer refusing to hire, denying benefits or failing to provide reasonable accommodations because of a pregnancy, then an experienced discrimination attorney at our Los Angeles employment law firm can help. We have successfully represented hundreds of workers throughout California protect their workplace rights. This includes representing parents discriminated against because of pregnancy, after giving birth and those dealing with maternity disability.

What Protections Are There for Women in the Workplace?

Pregnancy Lawyer Explains California Maternity Leave Rights for Women

Pregnancy affects different women in different ways. As a result, maternity leave laws, such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), protect mothers needing maternity leave or pregnancy disability leave. For example, any eligible employee under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and CFRA can take California maternity disability pregnancy leave that includes:

• A pregnancy disability entitles an employee to up to four months of disability leave
• An employee can take leave during any period of time prior to or after birth that the woman is physically unable to work because of pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition
• If her physician advises her, a woman can request a transfer to a less physically demanding or dangerous position during her pregnancy
• Upon returning from maternity leave or transfer, employees are required to be able to return to the same position they were in prior to their pregnancy leave or transfer

However, not all employers treat pregnant employees lawfully. These employers attempt to get away with mistreating pregnant women through their hiring, firing and management practices.