Pregnancy disclosure can be a sensitive topic for many women, especially early in the first trimester and in certain industries where it may be frowned upon or discriminated against. While this apprehension is valid, these employees should also know that they have a right to their privacy when it comes to pregnancy under California law.
California Laws on Disclosing Pregnancy to an Employer
California employees have a right to privacy regarding their pregnancy status. This means that an employer cannot request or require an employee to disclose their pregnancy status unless it is job-related and necessary to perform the employee’s duties (such as when asking for accommodations).
Furthermore, pregnant employees cannot be discriminated against based on whether they choose to disclose their pregnancy status, and employers cannot take adverse action against employees based on this status. This includes firing, demoting, or harassing an employee because they are pregnant. If an employer has engaged in pregnancy discrimination, they can be held liable for damages.
Learn more about pregnancy discrimination.
Employees who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should know that they have rights regarding disclosure and discrimination. These rights are protected by state and federal law, and employers who violate them can be held accountable. If you believe that your employer has violated your rights, you should contact an experienced employment attorney to discuss your case.
Is It More Beneficial to Tell My Employer About My Pregnancy?
Some pregnant employees may feel like they need to disclose their pregnancy to receive specific accommodations, such as a more comfortable chair or a lighter workload. Others may want to keep their pregnancy private for as long as possible.
There is no right or wrong answer when disclosing your pregnancy status to your employer. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what you are comfortable with and what you think is best for your career and personal life.
The team at Yadegar, Minoofar & Soleymani LLP ensures the safety and legal protections of pregnant women in the workplace by holding employers accountable for pregnancy discrimination. If you feel like your rights have been violated, call (310) 499-0140 to speak with a member of our team.