I am currently 20 weeks pregnant in georgia. I have currently been forced on medical leave by my employeer in lieu of restrictions. I know they have made arrangements with past employees to continue working as long as possible, but have refused to do so with me. They say that staying on the job is a liability to both them and myself. Upon being placed on a forced company medical leave I was informed I would get my allotted 26 weeks paid medical leave. Recently I have recieved a letter telling me they will only pay for the 6 - 8 weeks post-pardom. I know that other states have laws protecting pregnant women from being removed from their jobs due to restrictions without some sort of provisions or pay. Was wondering if this is legal, and/or what I can do??? Any help appreciated.....

Hi, Gowbre --

An employer cannot force you to take medical leave due to pregnancy. Employers who have tried in the past have been sued -- and the employees have won.

What is the nature of your job that the employer thinks you can't do it while pregnant? Did your doctor limit or restrict what you can do at work?

Cynthia
www.worklifelaw.org

*Note: the foregoing is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

I work in a manufacturing company. I am required to be able to lift 50 - 55 lbs at all times. My job description requires bending, lifting over my head, and in some shifts, because of my height, I use a step. I have siatica? (pinched nerve in my side due to the baby) that was making my job difficult. And I could not get them to work with me. The machine I am actually assigned to does not require lifting over my head, steps, and very little bending. Due to a shortage of employees after layoffs,one of my supervisor was pulling me to other machines which were difficult on me. I had asked to be placed only on certain machines I felt able to work on when possible and they seemed very compasionate but continued to pull me daily to machines which I was having difficulty. So I was forced to get a note saying i was unable to do steps, lifting over my head, and repetetive bending. ( Which past women have also been restricted from doing there. And there are machines that this is not continuosly required) The 20 lb. limit as I have come to understand is a common limit for most pregnant women. I can return to work if I am released from all restrictions including the 20lb. limit. I would give up everything but the weight restriction but that is not okay with the company. I was on fertility meds and am not sure I am willing to risk the saftey of my baby. Am I going overboard or am I in the right?