Employment discrimination generally exists where an employer treats an applicant or employee less favorably merely because of a person's protected class. This article provides information on federal and state antidiscrimination laws, parental leave, returning to work, rights of nursing or lactating employees.Pregnancy discrimination is against the law. The EEOC enforces three federal laws that protect job applicants and employees who are pregnant. Pregnancy discrimination is part of gender protections that prevent pregnant workers from being discriminated against in their workplaces. There are strict deadlines for filing a charge of discrimination, please review the information in the timeliness tab or call 1-800-669-4000. A federal judge in Texas ruled that the legislation, known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, cannot be enforced in the state. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act ("PDA") of 1978 is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Discrimination protection. What Is Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace?