Getting Fired Because of High Risk Pregnancy

High risk pregnancy keeps you worrying about losing out on your job but then there are laws that are in your favor.

Realistic fears of losing your job due to high risk pregnancy

The question of losing out on a good job is always there because of extended leave and high risk pregnancy, the reality of either retaining or losing the job depends upon many factors. Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 firing anyone from the job because of high risk pregnancy is illegal, though everyone is not protected. The fact remains that discrimination due to pregnancy is rising rapidly today.

Family and Medical Leave Act has legal laws protecting women and their families who are at a high risk pregnancy, though the laws of FMLA are not followed by all the companies, but then if you want to be protected by the FMLA your company should come under the specific employee guidelines.

Available options to save your job due to high risk pregnancy

High risk pregnancy is stressful and along with it the fear of losing the job can be even more stressful but then you have help at hand as there are many organizations who can help you out in case of discrimination due to pregnancy. The employers these days fire employees due to pregnancy but then cover them up with other reasons like stating job competency etc but then if you are sure that it is due to pregnancy then you can fight back and regain your job with the help of the following options:

1. “Knowing your rights” is a book which has details about pregnancy discrimination and how you can exercise your rights in case need arose.
2. Need to have a family lawyer who can be useful to help you exercise your rights.
3. Contacting a representative from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) who will help you to file a complaint.
4. You also need to contact the Commission on Civil Rights as they will help guide you to the concerned authority so as to have your case properly handled.

How to take charge of the situation?

The tension of getting fired due to high risk pregnancy is always there and the need to know your rights is of importance, along with this you also need to be aware of your workplace rights and to know if you are covered under the FMLA law. The awareness of your state law regarding maternity leave and discrimination rights and the need to exercise these should be the first criteria when you join your workplace. Yet another important thing that you need to have ready is prenatal documents along with documents confirming your high risk pregnancy details and the precautions that are needed which includes recommendation for maternity leave with original as well as photo copies as a proof to be sent to the human resource department at your workplace as well as the EEOC to file a case if need rises. Taking these things in consideration before hand will help you in the long run from undue stress and strain.