Can I be fired for being pregnant?

Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant?

If you’re asking, “Can I be fired for being pregnant?” the answer is generally no but with important legal nuances. Federal and Ohio laws protect employees from being terminated due to pregnancy. However, that doesn’t always stop employers from trying to mask pregnancy discrimination as something else. Understanding your rights is the first step to protecting yourself and your job.

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Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant Under Federal Law?

Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) (an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), employers with 15 or more employees cannot fire, demote, or otherwise discriminate against someone because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. This federal law protects you from:

• Being fired solely because you’re pregnant

• Losing your job due to doctor-recommended pregnancy accommodations

• Facing discipline for taking pregnancy-related medical leave

Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth of a child or prenatal medical needs.

The U.S. Department of Labor enforces these protections, and employers who violate them may be held liable for reinstatement, back pay, and other damages.

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Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant in Ohio?

Ohio law offers similar protections under the Ohio Civil Rights Act (Ohio Revised Code § 4112). This law applies to employers with four or more employees, making it broader in scope than the federal PDA.

Ohio employers may not:

• Fire or discipline an employee for being pregnant

• Deny reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related medical needs (as they would for other temporary disabilities)

• Treat pregnant employees differently than others with similar limitations

Ohio courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of employees who were terminated under suspicious circumstances related to pregnancy. For example, in Preston v. City of Akron, the court held that a firing shortly after a pregnancy announcement raised sufficient suspicion to merit a jury trial.

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Can I Be Fired for Missing Work Due to Pregnancy?

If you miss work due to pregnancy-related illness or doctor-ordered restrictions, your employer may not fire you, provided your absence is legally protected under the FMLA, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (if complications create a temporary disability), or the Ohio Civil Rights Act.

However, if you exceed the limits of protected leave or fail to follow proper notice procedures, your employer may be able to lawfully terminate your employment, though they still cannot cite your pregnancy as the reason.

This distinction matters. Even if a company claims you’re being fired for attendance, if the real motive is pregnancy-related, that may constitute pregnancy discrimination.

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What If My Employer Gives a Different Reason?

Unfortunately, employers rarely say, “We’re firing you because you’re pregnant.” Instead, they often offer vague justifications like:

• “Restructuring”

• “Performance issues”

• “Budget cuts”

But if these actions come shortly after your pregnancy disclosure, or if others with similar “performance” are not disciplined, that may indicate discrimination.

Courts often look at timing, treatment of other employees, and internal communications to determine intent. A skilled employment lawyer can uncover patterns of bias and build a strong legal case.

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Signs You May Be Experiencing Pregnancy Discrimination

You may have a claim if you notice any of the following after informing your employer you’re pregnant:

• Sudden negative performance reviews

• Denial of promotions or raises

• Exclusion from meetings or projects

• Unexplained schedule changes or demotions

• Unfounded disciplinary write-ups

• Being asked about your future work plans (e.g., “Are you coming back after the baby?”)

These may be red flags, especially if they differ from your treatment before the pregnancy disclosure.

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Contact Coffman Legal for a Free Consultation

If you’re wondering, “Can I be fired for being pregnant?” and suspect your termination or mistreatment was related to your pregnancy, don’t wait to act. The experienced employment lawyers at Coffman Legal have helped countless Ohio workers fight back against discrimination and recover compensation for their losses.

Whether you were recently let go or fear retaliation is coming, our team can assess your situation, help you understand your rights, and fight for your interests. We proudly serve employees across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and throughout Ohio.

Call today for a FREE consultation.