How Employers Retaliate After Pregnancy Disclosure

Pregnancy should be met with support in the workplace—but in far too many cases, it’s met with subtle retaliation. Employers might not fire you outright, but they may start chipping away at your position, your responsibilities, and your dignity. At Leeds Brown Law, we help employees recognize the signs of retaliation and fight back legally.

What Is Retaliation?

Retaliation happens when your employer takes negative action against you for asserting your rights—such as disclosing your pregnancy, requesting accommodations, or preparing for maternity leave. It’s not always obvious. Here are examples:

• Being written up for things you never were before
• Getting your hours or responsibilities reduced
• Being excluded from meetings or client communications
• Having your performance unfairly criticized
• Sudden coldness, micromanaging, or increased scrutiny

Why Employers Retaliate

Some employers see pregnancy as an inconvenience. They may be frustrated about arranging coverage or assume you’ll be less committed. Instead of expressing this openly, they retaliate by making the environment uncomfortable or unworkable.

Your Legal Protections

Retaliation is illegal under several laws:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
• New York State and NYC Human Rights Laws

These laws prohibit punishment for asserting pregnancy-related rights or filing internal or external complaints.

What You Can Do

1. Keep documentation – Save emails, take notes, and write down dates and incidents.
2. File an internal HR complaint – You have the right to voice concern.
3. Contact an employment attorney – Especially if retaliation escalates or your job is at risk.

Let Leeds Brown Law Help You Respond

We’ve handled countless retaliation cases. Whether it’s negotiating a resolution, filing a claim with the EEOC or New York agencies, or taking your case to court, we protect your rights—and your future.