Pregnant police officer prevails in her gender discrimination lawsuit. Management could not deny her a light duty assignment because her "injury" was not duty-incurred. Germain v. County of Suffolk, #07-CV-2523, 2009 U.S. Dist. Lexis 45434, 108 FEP Cases (BNA) 208 (E.D.N.Y. 2009).
     After 9 years of litigation and appeals, the Fifth Circuit affirms dismissal of pregnancy bias action brought by a Border Patrol agent who was given permission to breast feed her newborn child during two 30-minute breaks. Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the agent was not entitled to receive additional paid breaks on top of the 70-minutes of break time allocated to all employees. Puente v. Ridge, #08-40282, 2009 U.S. App. Lexis 10406, 106 FEP Cases (BNA) 678 (Unpub. 5th Cir.).
     Florida appellate court reinstates an action brought by a pregnant firefighter who was denied a light duty assignment in the fire dept. while others with physical restrictions had been accommodated with light duty in the fire dept. Carsillo v. City of Lake Worth, #4D07-4236, 2008 Fla. App. Lexis 18071.
     Third Circuit holds that terminating a non-tenured employee for having an abortion violates the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Doe v. C.A.R.S. Protection Plus, #06-3625, 527 F.3d 358, 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 11519; 103 FEP Cases (BNA) 577 (3rd Cir.).
     Tenth Circuit reinstates a suit filed by women police officers that alleged that when they took maternity leave, the city required them to do so in a way that adversely affected their eligibility for early retirement, limited their ability to work overtime, and differed significantly from how other employees seeking time off for other medical purposes were treated. A reasonable jury could find that the city's justification was a pretext for intentional discrimination. Orr v. City of Albuquerque, #07-2105, 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 14505 (10th Cir.).
     After a county police dept. refused to allow light duty status for pregnant officers, a jury awarded damages to five women plaintiffs. The court also awarded plaintiffs $578,704 for attorneys' fees and costs, noting that "the plaintiffs did not justify the need to retain sixteen attorneys and thirteen support staff from five different firms/agencies to represent six plaintiffs with essentially the same claims" thus reducing the number of overall hours by 25%. Lochren v. Co. of Suffolk, #CV-01-3925, 2008 U.S. Dist. Lexis 38100 (E.D.N.Y.).
     New Illinois law makes it unlawful for a public employer to refuse to temporarily transfer a pregnant female peace officer or firefighter "to a less strenuous or hazardous position for the duration of her pregnancy if she so requests, with the advice of her physician, where that transfer can be reasonably accommodated." Public Act 095-0025 (Eff. 1/1/2008).
     Federal appeals panel holds that a denial of health care coverage for all types of contraception, for both men and women, does not discriminate against women or violate the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. In re: Union Pacific Railroad Employment Practices Litigation, #06-1706, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 5914, 100 FEP Cases (BNA) 178 (8th Cir.).
     Eighth Circuit holds that an employer does not violate the Pregnancy Discrimination Act by denying coverage under its health care plan for contraceptives unless they are medically needed. Standridge v. Union Pacific RR., #06-1706, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 5934.
     Pregnant police officer that was denied a light duty assignment was unable to show that males were treated more favorably. Tysinger v. Police Dept. of Zanesville, #05-3785, 463 F.3d 569, 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 24144, 98 FEP Cases (BNA) 1705 (6th Cir. 2006). {N/R}
     Pregnant officer's discrimination suit fails. Although two male officers were injured while off duty, unlike her, they did not seek a light duty assignment. Tysinger v. Police Dept. of the City of Zanesville, #05-3785, 463 F.3d 569, 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 24144 (6th Cir. 2006). {N/R}
     Federal court rules that a police dept. policy that restricts light duty assignments to officers injured on the job discriminates against pregnant officers. Damages awarded. Lochren v. Co. of Suffolk, #2:01-cv-03925, Pacer Doc. #152 (E.D.N.Y. 2006). [2006 FP Sep]
     Employer's light-duty policy did not support an inference of pregnancy discrimination. Reeves v. Swift Transp., #05-5271, 446 F.3d 637, 2006 U.S. App. Lexis 12046, 2006 FED App. 0163P (6th Cir. 2006. {N/R} {N/R}
     In a 4-to-3 decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that an employer's policy of limiting all medical leaves, regardless of purpose, to 26 weeks does not violate the state's pregnancy discrimination law, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1. The majority declined to recognize a claim that the rule had a disparate impact on women and followed federal law, which provides that "women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all employment-related purposes ... as other persons not so affected ..." 42 U.S. Code §2000e(k). Gerety v. Atlantic City H.C.R., 184 N.J. 391, 877 A.2d 1233, 2005 N.J. Lexis 931 (2005). {N/R}
     Federal appeals court reverses a summary judgment for the city, in a suit brought by two women police officers in Albuquerque, N.M. They claimed that they were treated differently from male employees when they were not allowed to use compensatory time during their maternity leaves. Orr v. City of Albuquerque, #03-2287, 417 F.3d 1144, 2005 U.S. App. Lexis 15852, 96 FEP Cases (BNA) 231 (10th Cir. 2005). {N/R}
     Five women state Massachusetts troopers who alleged that the state violated the state and federal law by placing them on temporary modified duty during their pregnancies have no cognizable claim against the medical contractor that made the modified duty recommendation under either state or federal civil rights law. Butner v. Dept. of State Police, #02-P-390, 60 Mass. App. 461, 2004 Mass. App. Lexis 180, 93 FEP Cases (BNA) 602 (2004). {N/R}
     Arbitrator holds that management did not violate the bargaining agreement when it stopped paying for health insurance for a pregnant police officer who was on FMLA leave, and ineligible for group coverage. Vil. of Huntley, IL and Metrop. Alliance of Police C-207, 120 LA (BNA) 949, FMCS #040218/03758-A (Cox, 2004). {N/R}
     Federal appeals court rejects a pregnancy discrimination claim brought by a part-time public employee. Part-time workers are excluded from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Her failure to report for work during her ninth month of gestation was a "constructive" resignation. Allan v. Springville City, #03-4180, 388 F.3d 1331, 2004 U.S. App. Lexis 23363, 21 IER Cases (BNA) 1822 (10th Cir. 2004). {N/R}
     Although state police management involuntarily placed pregnant troopers on light duty when they were unable to perform 131 tasks that no state police officer "was likely ever to perform," including roping a steer and lifting a 800-pound motorcycle to an upright position, the women were not entitled to recover damages against the medical personnel for "extreme and outrageous" conduct. Butner v. Dept. of State Police, #02-P-390, 60 Mass.App.Ct. 461, 803 N.E.2d 722, 2004 Mass. App. Lexis180, 93 FEP Cases(BNA) 602 (2004). {N/R}
     Where the evidence shows that the plaintiff was fired because of absenteeism, not her pregnancy, she could not recover under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. Stout v. Baxter Healthcare, #99CV129, 2002 U.S. App. Lexis 2573 (5th Cir. 2002). [N/R]
     Federal court in Seattle orders an employer to cover the cost of prescription contraceptives in its insurance plan. Erickson v. The Bartell Drug Co., #C00-1213L, 2001 U.S. Dist. Lexis 7550 (W.D. Wash. 2001). Also see, "Sex Discrimination and Insurance for Contraception," by Sylvia A. Law, 73 Wash. L. Rev. 363 (1998). [2001 FP 120]
     Pregnant officer who was forced to take maternity leave could sue for discriminatory treatment. Dimino v. NYCTA, 64 F.Supp.2d 136, 1999 U.S. Dist. Lexis 14137 (E.D.N.Y.). [2000 FP 25-6]
     Pregnant employee who was fired for absenteeism could challenge her employer's attendance policy, on the ground the policy has a disparate impact on pregnant employees. Dormeyer v. Comerica Bank, 223 F.3d 579, 2000 U.S. App. Lexis 17727, 83 FEP Cases (BNA) 700 (7th Cir. 2000). {N/R}
     A divided Michigan Supreme Court holds that abusive nonsexual comments about an employee's pregnancy gives rise to a civil action for gender discrimination. Jury verdict of $5,000 is upheld. Koester v. City of Novi, 580 N.W.2d 835 (Mich. 1998). [1999 FP 123-4]
     Pregnancy leave can be less generous than leave for workers who are disabled for a job-related injury, provided it is treated the same as other nonoccupational illnesses and injuries. Spaziano v. Lucky Stores, 78 FEP Cases (BNA) 1516, 1999 Cal. App. Lexis 26, 81 Cal.Rptr.2d 378. [1999 FP 58]
     California appeals court concludes that hysterectomy is not a pregnancy-related medical condition for leave purposes. Williams v. MacFrugal's, 67 Cal.App.4th 479, 79 Cal.Rptr.2d 98, 78 FEP Cases (BNA) 129, 1998 Cal. App. Lexis 886. [1999 FP 26]
     Physician that rendered a medical judgment to an employer concerning whether it was in the best interests of an applicant to work while pregnant, could not be sued for a civil rights violation. His opinion was not limited to the narrow question of whether the plaintiff was physically capable of working safely. Sahai v. Davies, 557 N.W.2d 898, 72 FEP Cases 1820 (Iowa 1997). {N/R}
     Appellate court sustains discrimination claim of a woman patrol officer, who was terminated because of her pregnancy. Allison-LeBlanc v. Dept. of State Police, 671 So.2d 448 (La.App. 1996). [1997 FP 41]
     Federal court rules that management is not entitled to test a woman police officer for pregnancy without her consent, and must obtain a search warrant for that purpose. Judge refuses to dismiss her damage claims for conducting the test as part of a departmental physical exam. Ascolese v. SEPTA, 925 F.Supp. 351 (E.D.Pa. 1996). [1996 FP 154-5]
     An employer who discovers a person's job is unnecessary while she is on pregnancy leave can abolish her position without incurring liability. Smith v. F.W. Morse, 76 F.3d 413, 1996 U.S.App. Lexis 2022 (1st Cir). [1996 FP 123-4]
     Federal court refuses to dismiss a damage suit brought by a pregnant officer, who claims that her superiors willfully delayed her transfer to a light duty assignment. Ascolese v. SEPTA, 1995 U.S.Dist. Lexis 14444, 902 F.Supp 533 (E.D.Pa). [1996 FP 8]
     Federal judge refuses to dismiss a discrimination suit by a pregnant officer who alleged her superiors involuntarily removed her from the canine squad after she informed them of her pregnancy. Duffy v. SEPTA, 1995 U.S.Dist. Lexis 6611, 67 FEP Cases (BNA) 1797 (E.D.Pa.); prior decis. at 1995 U.S.Dist. Lexis 15253. [1996 FP 8]
     Summary judgment is denied where the bargaining agreement provided that pregnant firefighters would be placed on light duty for the safety of the fetus. Richards v. City of Topeka, 934 F.Supp. 378, 1996 U.S. Dist. Lexis 11865 (D. Kan.). {N/R}
     California jury, under Govt. Code Sec. 12945, awards a claims investigator $1.2 million in compensatory and $1.5 million in punitive damages for a wrongful termination, which was prompted by her pregnancy. Ambruster v. California C.M.C., Santa Clara Co. #724952 (Cal.Sup'r. 1993). [1995 FP 10]
     California city pays $85,000 to settle a wrongful termination suit which alleged pregnancy discrimination. Plaintiff was fired when she sought additional leave for a gestation-related medical problem. I.D. Confidential, San Bernadino Co. Super.Ct. 2/24/95, 108 (61) L.A.D.J. V&S 5. {N/R}
     Employer, who demoted an employee because her pregnancy prevented her from working overtime, is hit with a $403,300 award for compensatory and punitive damages. Pace v. Shoney's Inc., #93-0207-CV-W-9, 37 (7) ATLA Law Rep. 261 (W.D.Mo. 1994). [1995 FP 10]
     ADA does not cover pregnancy discrimination complaints; employee's sole federal remedy is under Title VII. Byerly v. Herr, 2 AD Cases (BNA) 666 (E.D. Pa. 1993). [1993 FP 91]
     Federal court holds a pregnant employee is the sole judge of whether it is safe to continuing working. An employer's fear of injury is irrelevant. A defense of poor performance must be raised at the time of discharge, not at trial. EEOC v. Eucuri Alford Ltd., 62 FEP Cases (BNA) 1018 (E.D.Va. 1993). [1993 FP 172]
     Article: "Pregnancy and maternity leave policies - the legal aspects," by J. Higginbotham, 62 (3) FBI Law Enf. Bull. 27-32 (Mar. 1993). {N/R}
     Employer not required to offer a new mother a parttime position following her pregnancy leave; her termination, for not returning to full time employment, did not violate equal employment practices laws. White v. Univ. of Mass., 59 FEP Cases (BNA) 210 (Mass. 1992). [1992 FP 140]
     Pregnant officer who was denied light duty status when males were so assigned was a victim of sex discrimination. Adams v. Nolan, 962 F.2d 791 (8th Cir. 1992). [1992 FP 154-5]
     N.Y. state human rights awards worker $450,000 for miscarriage; public employer refused to assign her to light duty status during her pregnancy. Nash v. N.Y.C. Transit Auth., N.Y. Hum. Rts. Div. #E-S-77268-81E and E-OS-81007-82E, 26 G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1786 (10/21/88).
     Sheriff's refusal to allow more than 2 months past birth for pregnancy leave violated federal law. Lunsford v. Leis, 686 F.Supp. 181 (S.D. Ohio 1988).
     Policy allowing leaves for pregnancy related disability but no leaves to employees for other disability was not sex discrimination. Kan. Gas & Elec. v. Cmsn. on Civil Rights, 750 P.2d 1055 (Kan. 1988).
     Medical restrictions imposed by her pregnancy prevented postal employee from doing job; not eligible for unemployment benefits. Taylor v. U.S. Postal Service, 413 N.W.2d 736 (Mich. App. 1987).
     Nursing director fired because pregnant, was not required to mitigate damages by seeking lesser position, but not entitled to “front-pay” when she left job market. Floca v. Homecare Health Serv. 845 F.2d 108 (5th Cir. 1988).
     U.S. Justice Dept. files suit against school district for violation of 1978 pregnancy discrimination act. U.S. v. Bd. of Educ., Consol. Sch. Dist. 230, U.S. Dist. Ct. (N.D. Ill., filed 4/12/88), U.S. DoJ. Ref. #CR88-135.
     Nontenured teacher was not renewed because of pattern of lateness, not pregnancy discrimination. Todhunter v. Cullman County Com’n on Educ., 665 F.Supp. 890 (N.D. Ala. 1987).
     Placing pregnant employee on unpaid medical leave violated pregnancy discrimination act. Carney v. Martin Luther Home, 824 F.2d 643 (8th Cir. 1987).
     Minnesota, Oregon laws require parental leave for both parents; similar Connecticut law applies only to state employees. New York Times, p. 17, June 18, 1987.
     U.S. Supreme Court upholds California law requiring employers to grant up to four months of unpaid leave to women disabled by pregnancy or childbirth. California Savings and Loan Assn. v. Guerra, 107 S.Ct. 683 (1987).
     No discrimination to assign pregnant police officer to light duty status and deny her application for sick leave. Wunning v. Johnson, 499 N.Y.S.2d 272 (A.D. 1986).
     Federal court awards backpay to new mother who was fired on 70th day of maternity leave; employees with other illnesses received leniency. Desira v. Consolidated Marketing, 41 FEP (BNA) Cases 494 (N.D. Ga. 1986).
     DoJ and a California Fire Dist. sign consent decree; firefighters" spouses were excluded from health plan. U.S. v. Fallbrook Fire Prot. Dist., U.S. Dist. Ct. (S.D. Cal. 1986).
     Justice Department sues city for failure to give a female dispatcher sick leave in connection with pregnancy. U.S. v. City of Charleston, U.S. Dist. Ct. (D. W.Va. 1986).
     Justice department sues another California city over pregnancy benefits. U.S. v. City of Glendale, U.S. Dist. Ct. (C.D. Cal. 1984).
     Santa Barbara signs consent decree to compensate male employees for past losses in insurance benefits for their wives’ pregnancy expenses. U.S. v. City of Santa Barbara, U.S. Dist. Ct. (C.D. Cal. 2/14/84).
     Justice dept. obtains consent decree for male employees in Orange, California, for lost health insurance benefits. U.S. v. City of Orange, U.S. Dist. Ct. (C.D. Cal. 1984).
     Federal court enjoins city's health benefit plan for spouses under the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act. U.S. v. City of Newport Beach, U.S. Dist. Ct. (C.D. Cal. 1983).
     Maternity benefits include paid sick leave, but period of disability must be proven. Police Dept. of City of N.Y. v. N.Y. State Human Rights Appeal Bd., 409 N.Y.S.2d 408 (A.D. 1978).
     Pennsylvania appellate court splits 4-to-3, holding that the state's Human Relations Act required a public employer to grant leave to an employee who wanted to extend her maternity leave to breastfeed her son. Board of Sch. Dir. Fox Chapel Sch. Dist. v. Rossetti, 387 A.2d 957, 36 FEP Cases (BNA) 1765 (Pa.Cmwlth. 1978). {N/R}
     Female officer, fired for pregnancy, ordered reinstated. U.S. v. City of Philadelphia, 573 F.2d 802 (3rd Cir. 1978).
     See also: Sex Discrimination.