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Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Texas: Protecting Your Workplace Rights

Pregnancy is a time that should be filled with hope, not fear. Yet far too many Texas employees face discrimination at work simply because they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you’ve been demoted, fired, denied accommodations, or otherwise mistreated, a pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help you fight back.

Federal and Texas laws protect pregnant employees from unfair treatment—and legal action may be available if those rights are violated. This blog will help you understand your rights, how to recognize discrimination, and what a lawyer can do for you.

What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats a worker unfairly due to:

• Being pregnant
  
  
• Having a pregnancy-related medical condition
  
  
• Taking maternity leave
  
  
• Planning to become pregnant
  
  

This kind of discrimination is illegal under both federal and Texas law.

Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination

You may need to speak with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer if:

• You were fired or demoted after disclosing your pregnancy
  
  
• You were denied a promotion or raise due to your pregnancy
  
  
• Your manager made negative comments about your ability to work while pregnant
  
  
• Your employer refused to provide reasonable accommodations
  
  
• You were forced to take unpaid leave
  
  
• You faced retaliation for asking about maternity rights or filing a complaint
  
  

Which Laws Protect Pregnant Employees in Texas?

Several powerful laws protect workers against pregnancy discrimination:

1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act)

• Prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions
  
  
• Applies to employers with 15 or more employees
  
  
• Covers hiring, firing, pay, promotions, training, and job assignments
  
  

2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Protects against discrimination based on pregnancy-related medical conditions (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)
  
  
• Requires reasonable accommodations
  
  

3. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

• Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth and recovery
  
  
• Applies to employees who have worked for at least 12 months at a company with 50+ employees
  
  

4. Texas Labor Code Chapter 21

• Mirrors Title VII protections for pregnant workers
  
  
• Enforced by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  
  

What Are Reasonable Accommodations?

Under the law, employers may be required to provide reasonable accommodations such as:

• Light duty assignments
  
  
• Frequent restroom breaks
  
  
• Modified schedules
  
  
• Telework options
  
  
• Additional breaks for food, rest, or hydration
  
  
• Temporary reassignment to less strenuous duties
  
  

❗ Note: Your employer does not have to accommodate you if it causes “undue hardship”—but they cannot refuse automatically.

Can You Be Fired for Being Pregnant in Texas?

No. Firing someone because they are pregnant is a violation of federal and state law. However, Texas is an at-will employment state, which means employers can terminate employees without cause—as long as it’s not for a discriminatory reason.

If you suspect your pregnancy was the real reason for your termination, a pregnancy discrimination lawyer can help prove it through:

• Timeline of events
  
  
• Witness testimony
  
  
• Company patterns or prior complaints
  
  
• Employer emails or comments
  
  

How a Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Can Help

When you work with a pregnancy discrimination attorney, you’ll get:

• A thorough case review to determine if your rights were violated
  
  
• Help filing a charge with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission
  
  
• Representation in settlement negotiations or litigation
  
  
• Legal support for retaliation or wrongful termination claims
  
  
• A chance to recover compensation, reinstatement, or changes in company policies
  
  

What Can You Recover in a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

⏳ Deadlines are strict. You generally have:

• 180 days to file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  
  
• 300 days if you’re filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  
  

Missing the deadline can mean forfeiting your right to compensation. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your case.

Can You File a Claim While Still Employed?

Yes—and many people do. You do not need to quit or get fired to file a complaint. In fact, filing a complaint may protect you from future retaliation.

Your lawyer can help you file the complaint confidentially and strategically, minimizing the risk of job loss.

The Lange Firm: Fighting for Mothers and Families

At The Lange Firm, we understand how intimidating it can be to challenge your employer—especially when you’re expecting or raising a child. We’ve helped pregnant workers across Texas:

• Recover lost wages
  
  
• Hold discriminatory employers accountable
  
  
• Protect their careers and reputations
  
  

📞 Contact us today for a private, supportive consultation about your case.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy should be a time of support and protection—not workplace punishment. If you’ve been mistreated because of your pregnancy, don’t wait.

✅ Talk to a trusted pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Texas and take the first step toward justice.