Step-by-Step Guide to Pregnancy Discrimination in the California Workplace (FEHA)

Pregnancy discrimination is a form of workplace discrimination that occurs when an employee
is treated unfairly or differently because of their pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical
conditions. If you are an employee in California and you believe you have been the victim of
pregnancy discrimination, it’s important to know your rights and take action to protect them. In
this blog post, we’ll outline the step-by-step process for understanding and addressing
pregnancy discrimination in the California workplace, including numerous examples of
pregnancy discrimination.

Step 1: Understand the law.

The first step in understanding and addressing pregnancy discrimination is to know your rights
under the law. In California, pregnancy discrimination is prohibited under the Fair Employment
and Housing Act (FEHA). This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth,
and related medical conditions, and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations
for pregnant employees.

Step 2: Identify the discriminatory action.

If you believe you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, the next step is to identify
the discriminatory action. Examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
Being fired or demoted because of your pregnancy
Being denied a promotion or other job opportunity because of your pregnancy
Being treated unfairly or differently because of your pregnancy, such as being excluded from
meetings or being given less favorable assignments
Being denied a reasonable accommodation for your pregnancy, such as a modified work
schedule or temporary transfer to a less strenuous position

Step 3: Gather evidence.

To support your claim for pregnancy discrimination, it’s important to gather evidence of the
discriminatory action. This may include copies of any relevant documents, such as emails or
performance evaluations, as well as witness statements from coworkers or other individuals
who may have witnessed the discrimination. Be sure to keep copies of all relevant evidence, as
you may need to provide it to support your claim.

Step 4: Communicate with your employer.

If you believe you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, it’s important to
communicate with your employer about the issue. You may be able to resolve the matter

informally by explaining your concerns to your employer and providing them with the evidence
you have gathered. If your employer is unwilling or unable to resolve the issue informally, you
may need to take further action.

Step 5: Seek legal advice.

If you are unable to resolve the issue with your employer, or if you have any other questions or
concerns about your rights, it’s important to seek legal advice. An experienced employment
attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on your rights and options under
California law. They can also help you gather any additional evidence and represent you in legal
proceedings, if necessary.

Step 6: Consider your options for pursuing a claim.

If you believe you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination in the California workplace,
you may have several options for pursuing a claim. You may be able to file a complaint with the
Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC), or you may be able to file a lawsuit in court. Your attorney can advise you
on the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Pregnancy discrimination is a form of workplace discrimination that is prohibited under the Fair
Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). If you are an employee in California and you believe you
have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination, it’s important to know your rights and take
action to protect them. By understanding the law, identifying the discriminatory action,
gathering evidence, communicating with your employer, and seeking legal advice if necessary,
you can ensure that you receive the fair treatment and reasonable accommodations you are
entitled to under California law. Don’t hesitate to seek legal help if you have any questions or
concerns about your rights or if you believe you have been the victim of pregnancy
discrimination.