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Pregnancy and Maternity


Pregnant women working in a modern office at her desk

Many women are treated unfairly — or even fired — after revealing the news of their pregnancy. As long as a pregnant woman is able to perform the major functions of her job, either not hiring her or firing her because she is pregnant is against the law. It’s against the law to dock her pay or demote her to a lesser position because of pregnancy. It’s also against the law to hold back benefits for pregnancy because a woman is not married. All are forms of pregnancy discrimination, and all are illegal.

Pregnancy is protected under the law and employers must treat women who are pregnant in the same manner as other job applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations.

A working mother is entitled to 6 weeks of leave before birth (14 weeks for a multiple pregnancy) and 8 weeks of Maternity Leave.

Here is more information on the legal rights of pregnant women and mothers in the workplace.

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