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pregnant woman at work

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Written by Ann Luna | Expecting a child should be a joyous occasion in every woman’s life, but not all people share the same feeling. When these people are higher-ups at your current or potential workplace, then it can start to affect your life. Pregnancy bias is a form of discrimination that often goes under the rug, but is it affecting your career? If you are a woman of childbearing age, it probably is.

It’s hard to think that in 2013, women are discriminated against for being women. With today’s overall progressive laws and societal attitudes, people can easily suppose that nothing can stop an ambitious woman from climbing the corporate ladder. However the  reality is, pregnancy bias exists. It is the “unfavorable treatment of women applicants or employees due to pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related therein.” Many employers make it hard for pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant women to be hired, paid, given assignments, trained, promoted, or given benefits – and this is despite the fact that there are existing laws prohibiting discrimination. Some employers do not feel inclined to accommodate the needs of pregnant workers and view them as a burden to their company. Hence, adds another layer to the glass ceiling we’ve all come to know. With this type of discrimination bringing roadblocks to a woman’s career, it is hard to feign nonchalance. Even if you’re a woman in your 20’s, you still have to think about this issue as it can affect your career and future family as well.

How often does pregnancy bias occur in America? The issue is widespread across all states and continually rising. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “From the FY1996-FY2005 almost 75% of the states – 38 – recorded an increase in pregnancy bias charges, with 14 states recording increases of more than 50%.” From FY1992 to FY2007, pregnancy discrimination charges increased by almost 65.5%. Although the numbers fluctuate, the trend is obviously rising. It is important to note that these figures only represent reported charges, and not the many more that go un-acted upon.

With pregnant women being stereotyped and viewed negatively, they are deprived of equal employment and career opportunities that every person deserves. However, the good news is that there are ways to work toward a solution. Companies can educate their managers about the impacts of pregnancy bias in women’s lives and the benefits of discrimination-free workplaces. Training staff to view pregnancy as a transition and not a disability will greatly affect the way mothers-to-be are treated in offices. Greater public awareness is another necessary tool in the movement toward equality. As solutions often start with awareness, more efforts should be made to make people more conscious about women’s rights. After all, we’re not just preaching some made up ideology. Discrimination against pregnant women is against the law; and that alone should seal the deal.

At the end of the day, being realistic about a systemic issue is admitting that changes do not happen overnight. By taking small steps toward achieving a more open-minded and empathic society, we create workplaces where not only pregnant women, but also every person, are given opportunities to grow. The task may be challenging, but we can always hope for a world where carrying the gift of life is not seen as a jinx, but a blessing.