Explanation of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978

When a woman gets pregnant and finds out that she is, it is only expected that due to her happiness, she will tell about the new to anyone she knew including in the workplace. The thing is, even with knowing that you are pregnant within the workplace can lead to discrimination on your part. Thus, instead of rejoicing of this fact and letting almost anyone you knew about it, you will be forced to keep it to yourself. As such, before you can announce that news to the world, it is better if you are going to know your rights first. Otherwise, you will have to endure that the discrimination you are to face due to your becoming pregnant.

It is for this reason that the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 was made. The act was made to protect pregnant women against the discrimination associated with and they are probable to experience.

What is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 All About?

Due to pregnancy discrimination, a lot of women now became interested in knowing about the laws that can protect them in the event they get pregnant. Among the laws women can guarantee for protection is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. It was approved on the 31st of October 1978.

The amendment includes all the rights a pregnant woman has within the workplace. It includes their right to work without the involvement of pregnancy discrimination. With the help of the Family Medical Leave Act, the legal rights that pregnant women have within the workplace were further extended. The extension now reached even the men that can be affected by the pregnancy that even encompasses childbirth and adoption, if it leads to it.

As a general definition of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, it is the act prohibiting employers in discriminating employees due the base reason of their pregnancy, or childbirth and any other related medical condition. It is an amendment that affects and applies only to companies employing 15 or more than that head of employees. It was the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that enforced the act.

Who is Protected by the Act?

This law is made to protect pregnant women, and those women who are in the stage or recovering because of childbirth including those suffering from any medical conditions attributed to childbirth and pregnancy.

How Can the Act Protect You?

According to EEOC, the act states that employers must treat those pregnant employees they have in the same way that the other employees are being treated. Aside from that, pregnant women are also protected through the act by:

• Not letting employers refuse in hiring an applicant just because she is pregnant or any condition related to pregnancy.

• Employers cannot require their pregnant employee to submit to any special procedures just to see whether they are capable of fulfilling their duties unless all employees are required to submit and perform these procedures.

• Employers are to treat pregnant employees the same way employees who are temporarily disabled are treated.

• They are not to prohibit a pregnant employee from working and return to work after they gave birth.

• Employers must not require pregnant women to pay a larger deductible for their health insurance.

Everyone including pregnant employees must be treated fairly at workplace without any discrimination based in any factors. That is the sole purpose of Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978.