Pregnancy Discrimination: Filing a Claim Against Your Employer in Maryland

The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and Maryland’s Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) prohibit covered employers from discriminating against job applicants and employees who are pregnant, who were recently pregnant or who are considering parenthood. Covered employees can file claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), and they can hire a Maryland discrimination lawyer to represent them throughout the process.

In Maryland, pregnancy-based employment discrimination is prohibited under state and federal law. It is prohibited as a form of sex-based discrimination under Maryland’s Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) added pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions as protected characteristics under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).

Title VII and Maryland’s FEPA both apply to employers that have 15 or more employees. If you have a claim under Title VII or FEPA, you can—and should—hire an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer to help you take legal action. Employers that engage in discrimination deserve to be held accountable, and victims of discrimination deserve to be made whole.

What Qualifies as Pregnancy Discrimination in Maryland?

Pregnancy discrimination can take many different forms. While Title VII and FEPA protect job applicants and employees who are pregnant, they also protect employees who are considering parenthood or trying to become pregnant; who have recently been pregnant; and who are dealing with pregnancy-related conditions, complications, or medical needs. Making employment-related decisions based on an employee’s decisions regarding birth control or abortion constitutes pregnancy discrimination as well.

Examples of employment-related decisions that can give rise to pregnancy discrimination claims include:

• Refusal to hire
• Refusal to promote
• Denial of job opportunities or benefits
• Denial (or revocation) of the ability to work from home
• Termination of employment

State and federal laws also require covered employers to provide reasonable pregnancy-related accommodations, and failure (or refusal) to provide accommodations when required constitutes a form of discrimination as well.

How Do You File a Claim for Pregnancy Discrimination in Maryland?

There are two main pathways for pursuing a pregnancy discrimination claim in Maryland. If you have a claim under Title VII, you can file a “Charge of Discrimination” with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you have a claim under FEPA, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR).

These pathways are similar in many respects, and employees who are unable to obtain a satisfactory resolution through the EEOC or MCCR have the right to take their claim to court. With that said, going to court is not necessary in most cases, and most successful claims result in confidential settlements.

What Are the Remedies for Pregnancy Discrimination?

Similar to other forms of employment discrimination, potential remedies for pregnancy discrimination include front and back pay (as applicable), additional compensatory damages, and equitable remedies such as job placement or reinstatement. Your lawyer can help you decide which remedies to pursue and help ensure that you are seeking the full compensation you deserve.

FAQs: Filing a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim Against Your Employer

What should I do if I experienced pregnancy discrimination at work in Maryland?

If you experienced pregnancy discrimination at work in Maryland, you should consult with an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer promptly. It will be important to document your claim as thoroughly as possible; and, if you have grounds to take legal action, you should take action sooner rather than later.

How do I document pregnancy discrimination by my employer?

For now, you should keep any relevant documentation you have in your possession. Once you hire a Maryland discrimination lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to assist with gathering any additional documentation you need.

Should I hire a lawyer to handle my pregnancy discrimination claim?

Yes, if you have a pregnancy discrimination claim, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced lawyer to represent you. You must take all required steps to assert your legal rights effectively, and it is up to you to make sure you are seeking the full remedies you deserve.

How Our Law Firm Can Help

From assessing your legal rights to working with the EEOC or MCCR on your behalf, our law firm can guide you every step of the way. If you need to know more about filing a pregnancy discrimination claim in Maryland, we encourage you to contact us for a confidential consultation.

Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Maryland Discrimination Lawyer in Confidence

To speak with an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer about your pregnancy discrimination claim in confidence, contact us today. Call 410-514-6099 or tell us how we can help online to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.