Emma's employer is treating her badly because she's pregnant, so it's pregnancy and maternity discrimination. Example. The law says that it is pregnancy discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because of her pregnancy or pregnancy-related illness.Maternity discrimination is the unfair and unjust actions and behaviours against employees who are pregnant or on maternity leave. This factsheet sets out employers' and employees' rights and responsibilities with regards to Employment Law and pregnancy and maternity discrimination. This document provides guidance regarding the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act as they apply to pregnant workers.