New York Pregnancy Harassment Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Pregnant Workers in New York City

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it can also bring concerns about workplace treatment. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination and harassment persist despite clear legal protections. If you are experiencing pregnancy harassment at work, the New York City pregnancy harassment attorneys at Phillips & Associates are here to help you navigate your legal options and seek justice.

Pregnancy harassment can take many forms, including verbal, written, and physical conduct. It may involve offensive remarks, jokes, improper questions, unwanted touching, and even visual harassment through memes, cartoons, or graffiti. Harassment can be committed by supervisors, managers, coworkers, or even clients and customers.

Examples of pregnancy harassment include:

• Asking inappropriate questions about when you became pregnant or what birth control you use.
• Making crude jokes or comments about your pregnancy or body.
• Sending offensive emails or cartoons implying you are unable to work due to "pregnancy brain."
• Subjecting you to persistent, unwelcome discussions about your pregnancy decisions.

To seek damages for pregnancy harassment, the conduct must meet specific legal standards under local, state, or federal laws.

Legal Protections Against Pregnancy Harassment in NY

New York City Human Rights Law

Under the New York City Human Rights Law, an employee only needs to show that they were treated less well than other employees due to their pregnancy. Unlike federal and state laws, the city law does not require proving that the harassment was severe or pervasive. This law provides strong protections against discrimination, offering greater recourse for pregnant workers who face unfair treatment in the workplace.

New York State and Federal Laws

Pregnancy harassment is also prohibited under the New York State Human Rights Law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, under these laws, employees must prove that the harassment was "severe or pervasive" enough to create a hostile or abusive work environment.

Examples of behavior that may meet this threshold include:

• Daily derogatory comments about your pregnancy over weeks or months.
• A supervisor dismissing your complaints by attributing them to "pregnancy hormones."
• Receiving unfair performance evaluations or being denied opportunities because of your pregnancy.

Recognizing a Hostile Work Environment Due to Pregnancy

A hostile work environment occurs when unwelcome conduct makes it difficult for a reasonable person to perform their job. Some indicators of a hostile work environment include:

• Repeated inappropriate questions about your pregnancy or reproductive choices.
• Comments about your ability to work or whether you will return after childbirth.
• Jokes or offensive statements about pregnancy.

A single incident of extreme harassment may also qualify, depending on its severity. If you are unsure whether your workplace situation meets the legal standard, an experienced employment attorney can assess your case.

Protection Against Pregnancy Retaliation in New York

Employees who report pregnancy harassment are protected from retaliation under federal, state, and local laws. The New York City Human Rights Law offers the strongest protection, making it unlawful for an employer to take adverse actions—such as demotions, pay cuts, or job transfers—against an employee for reporting pregnancy harassment.

For example, if you inform HR about cruel remarks made by coworkers and are subsequently transferred to an unfavorable department with no promotion opportunities, this could be considered retaliation.

Your Legal Rights and Remedies for Pregnancy Harassment

If you successfully prove pregnancy harassment, you may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages. Remedies can include:

• Back pay for lost wages due to harassment or retaliation.
• Compensation for emotional distress.
• Reinstatement to a previous job position.
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious employer misconduct.

Speak With a New York Pregnancy Harassment Attorney

You do not have to endure workplace harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy. The attorneys at Phillips & Associates represent employees in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, as well as Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact us at (866) 229-9441 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.