NYPD discriminated against pregnant officers
Suffolk County, New York Police Department has been recently found guilty of discriminating against pregnant women on the force. This is a resounding victory for the potential victims of pregnancy discrimination in male-dominated sectors.
The pregnant officers were denied desk duty positions just because they were pregnant and all of six plaintiffs were forcibly absent from work for at least two months before giving birth. They were also forced to go on unpaid leaves after their allowance of sick days were exhausted.
The insensitivity of NYPD comes to light in a case where it involves even its own staff members. The most common sense understanding of causes and nature of pregnancy has been lost on the department, notwithstanding the legal factors. Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, passed by Congress in 1978, an employer violates the law if it intentionally discriminates against pregnant employees or maintains a policy that adversely affects pregnant employees. The PDA covers pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including abortion.
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