Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Discrimination Attorneys in Arlington, Virginia

Pregnancy and parenthood should be celebrated—not penalized in the workplace. Yet many employees still face discrimination, denial of accommodations, or retaliation simply because they are pregnant or need to express breast milk at work. At The Mundaca Law Firm, we stand up for workers in Arlington, Virginia, who have experienced unfair treatment related to pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.

Whether you were denied leave, harassed after disclosing your pregnancy, or punished for requesting a private place to pump, you have rights under both federal and Virginia law. Our firm is here to protect those rights—and help you take action if they’ve been violated.

Your Legal Protections During Pregnancy and Beyond

Workers in Arlington are protected by several state and federal laws that prohibit pregnancy discrimination and ensure fair treatment for nursing employees.

Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)

Part of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the PDA makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This includes:

  • Refusing to hire or promote someone due to pregnancy
  • Firing or demoting a pregnant employee
  • Harassing a worker due to pregnancy status
  • Treating pregnancy differently from other temporary conditions

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Pregnancy alone is not considered a disability, but pregnancy-related complications (e.g., gestational diabetes or preeclampsia) may qualify for protection under the ADA. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations if needed.

Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA)

Under the VHRA, Virginia law provides specific protections for pregnant workers, including the right to reasonable accommodations such as:

  • More frequent breaks
  • Modified work schedules
  • Light duty or help with manual labor
  • Temporary transfers
  • Private space for expressing breast milk

Employers in Virginia with five or more employees are required to provide these accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act

This federal law requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk for up to one year after a child’s birth.

Examples of Pregnancy and Lactation Discrimination

Discrimination or mistreatment related to pregnancy or breastfeeding can take many forms, such as:

  • Being denied accommodations for pregnancy-related medical needs
  • Receiving fewer hours or less favorable shifts after pregnancy disclosure
  • Harassment or insensitive comments from supervisors or coworkers
  • Termination during or after maternity leave
  • Refusal to provide a clean, private space to pump breast milk
  • Being pressured to return early from leave or discouraged from taking it at all

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may have a legal claim.

How The Mundaca Law Firm Can Help

We understand how emotionally and financially difficult pregnancy-related discrimination can be, especially when you’re focused on your health and growing family. Our firm provides compassionate, strategic legal support to help you:

Understand Your Rights

We explain what laws apply to your specific situation and help you determine whether your employer’s actions were unlawful.

Document Your Case

We assist in gathering evidence such as emails, policy documents, medical notes, and witness testimony to build a strong claim.

Seek Resolution

In many cases, we negotiate directly with employers to secure reinstatement, accommodations, compensation, or other remedies. When necessary, we represent clients in agency proceedings and lawsuits.

Prevent Retaliation

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for requesting accommodations or reporting discrimination. If that happens, we’ll take swift action to protect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fired for being pregnant?
 No. Employers cannot terminate or discipline you for being pregnant, taking maternity leave, or asking for accommodations.

Do I have to tell my employer I’m pregnant?
 You are not legally required to disclose your pregnancy unless you are seeking specific accommodations or leave. However, informing your employer can help you access your rights.

What if my employer says they can’t accommodate me?
 Virginia law requires employers to engage in an interactive process to find reasonable accommodations. They can only deny them if they can prove it would cause undue hardship—which is a high bar.

Do I have a right to lactation breaks at work?
 Yes. Under federal law, most employees are entitled to breaks and a private space (that is not a bathroom) to pump breast milk for up to one year after childbirth.

Why Choose The Mundaca Law Firm?

  • Employment law focus: We bring deep knowledge of pregnancy and breastfeeding rights to every case we handle.
  • Client-centered advocacy: We treat each client with empathy, respect, and professionalism.
  • Local insight: Our attorneys understand the workplace norms and legal landscape of Arlington and Northern Virginia.
  • Strong results: We’re committed to protecting working parents and fighting for fair treatment under the law.

Contact a Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Arlington, VA

You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your career. If you’ve experienced pregnancy or breastfeeding-related discrimination, The Mundaca Law Firm can help you take a stand.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Serving: Arlington, VA and the surrounding region

Let us help you protect your rights and your future as a working parent.