What are my rights if my boss told a co-worker that I was pregnant after I asked her not to mention it to anyone?
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What are my rights if my boss told a co-worker that I was pregnant after I asked her not to mention it to anyone?
My boss (HR manager), asked me if I was pregnant. I told her I wasn’t sure, and not to disclose the information to anyone until after the doctor verified my suspicion. I had my appointment on a Monday after work, that confirmed my pregnancy, she had an “offsite” meeting with her boss (COO), and she told him that I was pregnant, after she said she wouldn’t disclose the information, and before I confirmed the information. Do I have a lawsuit here?
Asked on December 4, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Missouri
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
No, you don't have a lawsuit:
1) Generally speaking, the fact that someone is pregnant is not legally protected information: someone who knows this fact about you can share it with others.
2) An oral promise to keep something confidential is not enforceable--there'd have to be an actual confidentiality agreement (a contract).
3) Even beyond 1) and 2), the disclosure has not injured you in any way, other than upsetting you; but there is no viable claim or compensation for simply being upset.
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