Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers

Ohio Workplace Discrimination Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

Protecting the Rights of Mothers and Families

The birth of a child should be a joyful and exciting time—not a reason to fear losing your job, missing out on a promotion, or being treated differently at work. Unfortunately, some employers still see pregnancy as a “burden,” prioritizing their bottom line over the rights and dignity of expectant mothers.

That kind of treatment isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal.

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition. Federal law—specifically, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)—makes this illegal. In addition, employees may be protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Ohio state law.

These laws protect not just women who are currently pregnant, but also those who:

• Could become pregnant
• Are undergoing fertility treatments
• Recently gave birth or are recovering
• Are breastfeeding or expressing milk at work

Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace

If any of the following situations sound familiar, you may have a valid legal claim:

• A company refused to hire you because you’re pregnant.
• A company rescinded its job offer once they found out you’re pregnant.
• You were fired after your supervisor or boss found out you’re pregnant.
• You were denied a promotion due to your pregnancy.
• You did not receive a raise due to your pregnancy.
• A co-worker with less experience was promoted over you due to your pregnancy.
• Your supervisor encouraged you not to get pregnant.

These are just a few examples—there are many ways pregnancy discrimination can show up. If your employer’s attitude or actions changed after learning about your pregnancy, we urge you to speak with an attorney.

How Pregnancy Discrimination Affects Your Rights at Work

Pregnancy should never cost you your job, your career advancement, or your dignity. But when it does, the law gives you options.

Here are some of the key legal protections available to you:

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, and benefits.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth and recovery.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may cover pregnancy-related medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, and may require your employer to provide reasonable accommodations.

Ohio’s Civil Rights Laws further protect pregnant workers and may apply even when federal law doesn’t.

Employers are also required to engage in an interactive process to explore accommodations if your pregnancy affects your ability to perform certain job duties.

We’re Here to Help You Hold Your Employer Accountable

At Nilges Draher LLC, we understand how personal and painful it can be when your rights as a parent or parent-to-be are violated. We’ve worked with women across Ohio who were unfairly targeted, sidelined, or punished simply because they were growing their families.

We know how to:

Gather the right evidence—emails, performance records, witness statements, and more

Evaluate whether your employer’s actions violate federal or state law

Identify whether FMLA, ADA, or other protections apply

Communicate with your employer or their legal team so you don’t have to

File your claim with the appropriate agency or court before time runs out

Advocate for you in negotiations or trial to secure compensation and justice

Your employer may never admit that they discriminated against you because of your pregnancy. They may even try to cover it up or make it sound like your termination or demotion was for another reason. But we know how to read between the lines—and we know how to fight back.

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Pregnancy Discrimination in Ohio – FAQs

1. Can I be fired for being pregnant in Ohio?

No, it is illegal for an employer to fire you simply because you are pregnant. Both federal and Ohio state laws protect workers from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. If you were fired shortly after disclosing your pregnancy or requesting time off, you may have a legal claim for pregnancy discrimination or wrongful termination. We recommend speaking with an employment attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

2. Am I entitled to accommodations at work while I’m pregnant?

Yes. If your pregnancy causes limitations that affect your ability to perform certain job duties, your employer may be required to provide reasonable accommodations, just like they would for any temporary medical condition or disability. Common accommodations include modified duties, schedule adjustments, or light-duty work. Employers must engage in a conversation (known as the “interactive process”) to find a workable solution. If they refuse without a valid reason, that may be a violation of your rights.

3. What should I do if I think I’ve been discriminated against because of my pregnancy?

Start by documenting everything—emails, text messages, conversations, and any changes to your job status after disclosing your pregnancy. Then, speak with an experienced pregnancy discrimination attorney. At Nilges Draher LLC, we can help you determine whether your rights were violated and guide you through the legal process to hold your employer accountable. We offer free and confidential case evaluations, so you can get clarity without cost or pressure.