Pregnancy and Post-partum Discrimination: Voices of Survivors

The purpose of this study was to look at both the impact of workplace pregnancy and post-partum discrimination on women as well as the way in which these women negotiated their perceived discrimination. This research was an exploratory study that used qualitative data analysis. Twenty-one women who were part of parent list serves in the New York metro area who self-identified as having experienced pregnancy or post-partum discrimination were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Though many of the interviewees were aware of laws designed to protect them, most of the women reported that they felt that seeking legal recourse would ruin their careers and were worried about supporting their families. Many found new jobs after the discrimination or transferred within large companies. All reported feeling betrayed by the discrimination, noting that they felt they had had relationships with their employers and that they did not see the discrimination coming. This analysis suggests that during this vulnerable time, expecting women to bear the onus of reporting their discrimination is a hardship and both stronger oversight for existing laws and new laws to better protect women having children are needed. Findings from this study can also be used to inform policy advocacy designed to improve the treatment of pregnant and post-partum women in both organizational and government policy.