The number of pregnancy-discrimination claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC), has increased 26 percent between 1996 and 2002. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 protects employees from being fired, demoted, underpaid or discriminated against because of their pregnancy. Experts attribute the increase in claims to a greater awareness of the issue, and the fact that that many families now depend on the paychecks of both partners. Lawyers who specialize in this area suggest that pregnant workers familiarize themselves with their employers' maternity and/or disability-leave programs and speak with other female employees who have went through the same situation.
See "Pregnancy-discrimination claims increase", Andrea Coombes, Chicago Tribune, August 26, 2003