Can companies discriminate in the hiring process if you are pregnant?

Question

I just got a call back from a big company that I applied online for... I have an interview with them next week but they don't know that I'm 7 months pregnant. I really want this job but I'm scared that they will turn me down when they find out that I'm pregnant. Can they do that? The job doesn't require any physical activity... it is an office job.

Answer 1

They might take into consideration that as soon as you get situated or are in the middle of training...you'll need to take medical leave...I would get it out in the open so you don't waste your time in case it's a problem.

Answer 2

I would go in for the interview, tell them up front, tell them you understand if they dont hire you now, but that you need a job and would like them to interview and keep you in mind for the future. My secretary came in for an interview when she was 9 months pregnant, I liked her so much,and appreciated her honesty that I used a temp until she had her baby and was ready to come to work, she has been with me for 17 years.   good luck with both the baby and the job

Answer 3

Under the working condition you described, the employer could not turn you down based upon the pregnancy; that said, reality the company at this stage of interviews can find numerous reason to deny you, thus leaving you the burden if you sue to show the reason they did not hire you was actually a pretext for the pregnancy  

Answer 4

Put yourself in their shoes. You will work at most 2 mos before go on leave to have the baby. It will take say 3 to 4 weeks before you get back. Most of what you get in training, you will likely forget, so retrain. Training is expensive. And you would be surprised at how many women change their mind about working when the dearest thing in the world gets there. With the cost of day care, if your job doesn't pay well, you will be working just to pay someone else to stay with the baby. So the company's logic is that the odds are not good that you will stay and you will cost more in training plus they will be short handed again while you are gone. Sorry, but it's how they will look at it.