Do you have to tell a potential employer that you are pregnant?
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Do you have to tell a potential employer that you are pregnant?
And can they turn you down because of it?
Asked on September 8, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
No, you don't have to tell your employer that you are pregnant.
They cannot generally turn you down because you are pregant. There are, however, some exceptions:
1) They don't have to hire you--and shouldn't!--for a position hazardous to the health of a pregnant women or her fetus, such as a position involving radiation, certain chemicals, or possibly certain extreme physical activity you cannot do safely.
2) If there is something critical for the position which you will not be able to do because of your due date or travel restrictions, that may entitle them to not hire you--for example, say that the job will involve a trip to Thailand on/around you due date.
Note that employers are not required to provide maternity leave, unless the company (and you) meet the requirements of FMLA leave.
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