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Posted on January 30, 2026 | By Omid Nosrati | Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination remains a very real and ongoing problem in workplaces throughout Orange County. If you are preparing to ask for protected time off work or experienced unfair treatment due to your pregnancy status, it is crucial to understand Orange County pregnancy discrimination laws and your rights. Legal representation can play a crucial role in protecting your rights and ensuring that you are fully compensated for the harm you endured.
Employees in Orange County are protected by a combination of state and federal laws that are designed to prevent unfair treatment related to pregnancy and childbirth. These laws apply to many workplaces throughout Orchard Hills, Woodbridge, Westpark II, and elsewhere in the community. Shockingly, one in five mothers reports experiencing pregnancy discrimination at work.
At the federal level, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits employers from treating workers unfavorably because of pregnancy or related conditions. This means that decisions made about hiring, firing, promotions, job assignments, and benefits must be made without regard to pregnancy.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may also apply to the cases since the federal Act provides job-protected leave for pregnancy and post-childbirth bonding. Since its inception in 1993, over 60 million Americans have taken time off work under the Act.
California law offers additional protections. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) broadly prohibits pregnancy discrimination and requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations when needed. California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL) allows eligible employees to take protected leave for pregnancy-related disabilities, even when FMLA does not apply. In some cases, these laws overlap.
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms. Employers who violate the rights of pregnant workers may be liable for their discriminatory actions. Common examples of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace include:
If you were subjected to pregnancy discrimination at work, begin documenting the mistreatment. Forward work-related emails to your personal email account for safekeeping. Write down the time and place of the incident, noting potential witnesses who can corroborate the incident. Once you have gathered basic documentation, notify your employer or follow the appropriate channels at work.
Seeking legal counsel can help you better understand your rights and options. If your employer does not take decisive action to address the problem, your attorney can start direct talks seeking a suitable remedy to the problem. Lawyers can also file administrative complaints or file court claims seeking damages for the harm you endured.
Attempting to secure compensation without the help and guidance of an attorney could compromise your right to compensation. An Orange County pregnancy discrimination attorney brings years or decades of experience handling disputes like your pregnancy discrimination claim. They can gather evidence to support your pregnancy discrimination case, so you are positioned for a favorable outcome that leads to meaningful compensation.
When you hire a pregnancy discrimination lawyer, you gain the support of an advocate who understands the stress and challenges that you are going through. They can explain the legal process and potential outcomes of your case. Should challenges arise, they can address those issues before they cause serious setbacks or delays. During a challenging time in your career, having the right attorney by your side can provide you with the encouragement you need.
Any situation where an employer treats a worker unfavorably because of pregnancy or childbirth could be considered pregnancy discrimination. Qualifying acts could include termination, demotion, reduced hours, denial of leave, refusal to provide reasonable accommodations, or retaliation for requesting protected time off work. Victims of discrimination have the right to hire an attorney when seeking compensation.
California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL) allows eligible employees to take up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy-related disabilities, including prenatal care, childbirth, and recovery. This leave applies even if the employee is not eligible for FMLA and applies to employers with five or more employees. Employers must comply with these and other related laws.
Evidence plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of pregnancy discrimination cases. Emails, messages, performance reviews, witness statements, and comparisons with how other workers are treated could all be used as evidence to support a pregnancy discrimination claim. Since these cases require more than accusations, gathering evidence should be the top priority for anyone seeking compensation.
Emotional harm can be a compensable type of damage, but it depends on where the complaint is filed. Civil court claims can address the full range of harm that a worker suffered, while certain administrative complaints may focus on tangible losses, like lost wages and missed benefits. An attorney can explain your options and which strategies could lead to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
The employment law attorneys at Nosratilaw, A Professional Law Corporation, understand the financial stress and emotional harm that can result from pregnancy discrimination. Our team of dedicated lawyers brings more than two decades of experience holding employers accountable for the harm they cause. When you work with our award-winning advocates, you gain the trusted support of a respected law firm that has earned a strong reputation for delivering results.
Once you meet with a member of our legal team, we can take the time to fully understand what you went through and the harm you endured due to discrimination or retaliation. Then, we can explain your options for pursuing accountability and compensation. At every step of the way, we will be there to represent you in negotiations. Our goal is to see that you are financially restored for the harm you endured. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
