Employment Law
Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys
Protecting Utah workers from unlawful treatment based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.
Your Rights Under Federal and Utah Law
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) prohibit employers from discriminating against employees because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Utah's own Antidiscrimination Act provides additional protections.
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms — being fired after announcing a pregnancy, being passed over for promotion, being denied reasonable accommodations, or being forced onto unpaid leave when you are still able to work. Stavros Law P.C. has represented Utah employees in all of these situations.
Signs You May Have a Claim
Terminated or demoted after announcing your pregnancy
Denied a promotion or raise given to non-pregnant colleagues
Forced onto unpaid leave while still able to perform your job
Denied reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions
Subjected to hostile comments or harassment about your pregnancy
Retaliated against for requesting FMLA or pregnancy leave
Applicable Laws
Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
Amends Title VII to prohibit sex discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions for employers with 15 or more employees.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
Effective June 2023, requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Utah Antidiscrimination Act (UADA)
Utah Code § 34A-5-106 prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, which includes pregnancy, for employers with 15 or more employees.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth of a child or a serious health condition related to pregnancy.
ADA / ADAAA
Pregnancy-related conditions that substantially limit a major life activity may qualify as disabilities, entitling employees to reasonable accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer fire me for being pregnant?
No. Federal and Utah law prohibit terminating an employee because of pregnancy. If you were fired shortly after announcing your pregnancy or taking maternity leave, you may have a strong discrimination claim.
What accommodations am I entitled to during pregnancy?
Under the PWFA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy unless doing so causes undue hardship. This can include modified duties, additional breaks, or temporary reassignment.
How long do I have to file a pregnancy discrimination claim in Utah?
You generally have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC, or 180 days with the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD). Missing these deadlines can bar your claim.
What damages can I recover in a pregnancy discrimination case?
Potential remedies include back pay, front pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages (in egregious cases), and attorney fees.
Does pregnancy discrimination law cover miscarriage and fertility treatments?
Yes. The PDA and PWFA cover conditions related to pregnancy, which courts have interpreted to include miscarriage, stillbirth, and in some cases fertility treatments.
Can I be denied a promotion because I am pregnant?
No. Denying a promotion, raise, or other employment benefit because of pregnancy is unlawful discrimination under federal and Utah law.
What if my employer says I was fired for performance reasons?
Employers often cite performance as a pretext for pregnancy discrimination. We examine the timing of the termination, your performance history, how similarly situated non-pregnant employees were treated, and any comments made about your pregnancy.
Do I need to exhaust administrative remedies before suing?
For Title VII and UADA claims, yes — you must first file a charge with the EEOC or UALD and receive a right-to-sue letter before filing a lawsuit. Stavros Law can guide you through this process.
Speak With a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney
If you believe your employer has discriminated against you because of your pregnancy, contact Stavros Law P.C. for a free case evaluation. We represent Utah employees on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
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At Stavros Law, we provide direction and deliver results. Contact us today to schedule a paid consultation, or for a free case evaluation for a lawsuit.*