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What to Do if You Experience Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles

Author ImageBy   |  Pregnancy Discrimination  |  
Last Modified on Nov 01, 2025

Pregnancy is meant to be a happy time, a time of joy as you expand your family, not one of fear that you’ll lose your job. If you believe you’re being treated unfairly at work because you’re pregnant and you’re wondering what to do if you experience pregnancy discrimination in Los Angeles, then you need to understand how Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination laws are designed to protect you.

About Us

Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., offers the strength and experience of a large law firm in a more personal, client-focused setting. Our award-winning team is known for aggressive representation and a willingness to go up against even Fortune 500 companies. Employers and their insurers know we’re prepared to fight for our clients at every stage, and we’ve secured tens of millions for our clients to prove it.

At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we’re committed to delivering powerful advocacy with a personal touch.

What Pregnancy Discrimination Looks Like at Work

In 2024, there were over 88,500 reports of discrimination brought to the attention of the federal agencies, even though 61% of employees say their place of work has policies in place to ensure fair hiring, fair pay, and fair promotion practices.

Pregnancy discrimination isn’t always obvious, which is why many employees don’t even realize it’s happening until the situation gets out of hand. At its center, pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer allows a worker’s pregnancy, or conditions related to a pregnancy, to influence decisions in the workplace, as opposed to focusing on the performance or qualifications of the employee. This could include:

  • Termination or layoff shortly after announcing a pregnancy
  • Demotion
  • Reduction in job responsibilities
  • Cutting hours
  • Refusing to make reasonable accommodations
  • Being passed over for promotions or important assignments

Under pregnancy discrimination laws in Los Angeles, employers aren’t allowed to treat pregnant employees any differently. They are also not permitted to make assumptions about their capabilities, their commitment to the job, or their future plans. If you’ve encountered any of the actions listed above, you could have grounds for a pregnancy discrimination claim.

Steps You Can Take if You Suspect Pregnancy Discrimination in Los Angeles

If you suspect that you’re being discriminated against at work because you’re pregnant, you need to act quickly. Because of this, it’s important to understand how to properly document and report the relevant incidents, as doing so can make a major difference when it comes to building a strong pregnancy discrimination case. Some important steps to follow include:

  • Keep detailed records of all relevant communication, including emails, text messages, and performance reviews.
  • Note specific dates, times, and descriptions of discriminatory conversations or actions.
  • Record the names of any witnesses who saw the incidents or were involved in the incidents.
  • Save copies of schedules, memos, or any other documentation that could show a change in how you were treated.

By following these steps, you not only lay a solid foundation for your pregnancy discrimination case, but you can also protect yourself from retaliation. By carefully tracking all these details, you create a clear record that can strengthen your legal position.

Filing a Complaint and Taking Legal Action in Los Angeles

If you believe you’re experiencing pregnancy discrimination and you’ve carefully documented all the incidents, the next step is to find a pregnancy discrimination lawyer to help you file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). This agency can investigate your claim, provide you with guidance, and, in many cases, try to resolve the issue through mediation or settlement before it reaches the court.

Consequences for Employers Who Break the Law

California law doesn’t go easy on employers who engage in pregnancy discrimination, and pregnancy discrimination penalties are designed not only to compensate the victim of this practice but also to deter the employer from doing the same thing to another employee in the future. Some common pregnancy discrimination penalties could include:

  • Back pay for lost wages or missed promotions
  • Compensation for emotional distress and suffering
  • Reinstatement of the employee’s previous position
  • Payment of legal fees associated with the case
  • Additional punitive damages in severe situations

By enforcing these penalties, the court and the government make sure that employers take full responsibility for their actions. These consequences can help protect the rights of all workers to create safer and fairer workplaces.

FAQs

Can an Independent Contractor File a Pregnancy Discrimination Case?

An independent contractor can sometimes file a pregnancy discrimination case, depending on their classification. That’s because many workers are misclassified as contractors when they’re not. If your company controls your schedule, your duties, or your work conditions, you could legally qualify as an employee. If misclassification can be proven, you can access the same workplace protections as regular employees, including pregnancy discrimination.

Are Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions Also Protected?

Yes, certain pregnancy-related medical conditions are protected under California law. This includes conditions connected to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum complications, or other medical needs. Employers are generally expected to engage in a good-faith discussion about accommodations you might need, as opposed to making assumptions. If they don’t, they expose themselves to additional liability.

What if My Employer Retaliates Against Me After I Complain?

If your employer retaliates against you in any way after you make a complaint, you could have legal grounds to pursue a claim against them. Retaliation can include termination, reduced hours, negative evaluations, or sudden discipline. Even subtle changes in how you’re treated could qualify as retaliation. Document any new issues that come up, as claims of retaliation can strengthen your pregnancy discrimination case.

How Long Does a Discrimination Claim Usually Take to Resolve?

How long a discrimination claim takes to resolve depends on how complicated the case is, how willing the employer is to negotiate, and the schedule of the court. An experienced attorney can organize your evidence, file the necessary documents, and handle all communications to streamline the process. Some cases resolve in a few months if your employer is willing to negotiate a fair settlement. If not, the case could take a year or more.

Your Pregnancy Discrimination Partner

At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we aggressively fight for employees in Los Angeles. With decades of experience and tens of millions in recoveries, our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the damages you’re owed.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Los Angeles Employment Attorney - Emanuel Shirazi

Written by Emanuel Shirazi, Esq.

Founder, Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.

Emanuel Shirazi is a Los Angeles-based employment attorney with over 20 years of experience representing employees in wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination cases. A Super Lawyer and AV-rated attorney, he is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights across California.

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