Can my wife get fired for pregnancy limitations?

Question

My wife works as an RN at a local hospital and recently told them that her doctor put limitations on what she can do at work i.e. lifting heavy things because she is pregnant. She is still able to do the majority of her job just fine, and wants to. When she told them of her doctor's prescribed limitations, they said that she may be terminated. I thought that a company is required to be accommodating, like finding a less labor-some department if an employee has limitations. I just want to know if anyone has any information on this subject.

Answer 1

Yes your right, and if she fired or discreminated against please seek legal advice even if its  a mare suggestion from her supervisor.  

Answer 2

As long as she works in a place with at least 15 employees, she cannot be fired for a reason related to her pregnancy.  Technically, pregnancies must be handled as if they were a disability, according to the Pregnancy Act of 78

"The Pregnancy Discrimination Act prevents an employer from firing a pregnant women based on her pregnancy or pregnancy related illness. The act also prevents the employer from forcing a mandatory pregnancy or maternity leave on any employee. Pregnant women are afforded the same rights as anyone else with a medical related disability. This means your employer must grant you the right to modified work tasks or disability leave with or without pay based on your organization's policies. Pregnant women are afforded the opportunity to work as long as they are able to while on the job, and their jobs are protected during maternity leave under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Pregnant women may also accrue seniority or vacation while pregnant and remain eligible for other formal perks such as bonuses or pay increases. These stipulations are valid only if your employer provides security and benefits to all employees. It does not require that the employer provide these benefits only to pregnant women."

Answer 3

There are Federal guidlines, but if she is working beyond those guidelines, then no, that is her job if she gets hurt performing her duties, not to mention losing her child (and yours!!!)  Get her to stop working, I don't care how much bills you have, is your child worth that???????  Mine aren't!!!!

Answer 4

panda is generally correct, though all states have passed legislation which may not require 15 employees.  Check your state's statutory laws which can be accessed through the state website.

Answer 5

They are required to be accommodating to a certain extent.  However, once your wife can no longer perform the duties of an RN, they are within their rights to have her leave.  As an RN, she can't keep working if she's unable to do the job because that puts people's lives at risk.  I find it hard to believe that they don't have some kind of maternity leave though.  I think what you need to do is go with your wife and speak to the hospital administration to see what your options really are.

Answer 6

Well if she got pregnant before she got the job and didnt tell them then she could be fired. But if she has had the job for a long time then got pregnant and it was planned and her boss knew then I dont think those are grounds for being fired.