Pregnancy discrimination is against the law. The EEOC enforces three federal laws that protect job applicants and employees who are pregnant.This means that employers cannot base hiring, firing, promotions, or other employment decisions on an employee's pregnancy or related medical conditions. This article provides information on federal and state antidiscrimination laws, parental leave, returning to work, rights of nursing or lactating employees. Maternity leave isn't going to help a woman who's being demoralized at work and "managed out" of her job simply for getting pregnant. Typically, there are four phases of employment where you can identify and prevent pregnancy-related discrimination. Further, employers cannot discriminate against pregnant employees or candidates when hiring. Employers may not discriminate in any aspect of employment, including the hiring, firing, or promoting of employees. If your employer does so, it would fall under pregnancy discrimination, and you should contact an attorney. Refusing a Promotion or Changing Job Roles.