Chicago Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer

Pregnancy discrimination can take many different forms in Chicago workplaces, and it is essential for job applicants and employees to know that they have protections under Illinois state and federal law. Nobody should have to face discrimination because they are currently pregnant, planning to be pregnant, experiencing a pregnancy-related disability, or any other condition related to pregnancy. If you believe you have faced pregnancy discrimination, you should get in touch with an experienced Chicago pregnancy discrimination lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your options for filing a discrimination claim. 

What is Pregnancy Discrimination in Chicago?

Pregnancy discrimination involves disparate treatment against a job applicant or an employee as a result of one of the following:

• Currently being pregnant;
• Being pregnant in the past;
• Potentially getting pregnant;
• Having a medical condition or disability related to pregnancy or childbirth;
• Having an abortion;
• Choosing not to have an abortion; 
• Using contraception; or
• Choosing not to use contraception. 

Pregnancy discrimination is unlawful in Chicago workplaces under both state and federal law, and both job applicants and current employees have protections. Pregnancy discrimination is unlawful under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), as well as under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. Under federal law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also provides protections to job applicants and employees with pregnancy-related disabilities.

Who is Covered by Pregnancy Discrimination Laws in Chicago?

The Illinois Human Rights Act applies to employers with one or more employees (essentially, all employers), while in most cases, Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in Chicago Workplaces

Pregnancy discrimination can take many different forms in Chicago workplaces, including forms of discrimination targeting job applicants and current employees. The following are some examples of unlawful pregnancy discrimination in Chicago:

• Posting a job ad for a position that requires job applicants to avoid getting pregnant;
• Asking a job applicant if they are pregnant during an initial interview or asking a job applicant if they plan to become pregnant in the near future;
• Demoting an employee who becomes pregnant;
• Denying a promotion to an employee who has become pregnant;
• Terminating an employee who becomes pregnant;
• Denying a reasonable accommodation to an employee with a pregnancy-related disability;
• Threatening to demote an employee if they become pregnant or having a workplace policy against pregnancy;
• Retaliating against an employee who files a pregnancy discrimination claim or participates in a pregnancy discrimination investigation.

Contact Our Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys in Chicago

Nobody should have to experience pregnancy discrimination in the job application process or while working for an employer in Chicago. If you believe that you have been subject to pregnancy discrimination, an experienced Chicago pregnancy discrimination attorneys can evaluate your case for you today. Our firm can provide you with more information about your options for bringing a pregnancy discrimination claim under state or federal law. Contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline for more information.

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