Pregnant and Fired (1970s)

Right Fought For: The right to keep a job while pregnant.

Until the late 1970s, many women were legally fired for being pregnant. Employers called it a “health risk.” Schools let go of teachers once they started to “show.” Women were pushed out of offices and factories and told to reapply after giving birth—if they were allowed back at all.

Pregnancy was treated like a disability or a liability. But more than anything, it was treated like proof that a woman didn’t belong in the workplace.

Women began to fight back. They sued employers for discrimination. They testified before Congress. They argued that pregnancy wasn’t a problem to be hidden or punished—it was a natural part of life. In 1978, Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, finally making it illegal to fire or demote someone for being pregnant or giving birth.

This wasn’t just about jobs. It was about dignity. Women didn’t want special treatment. They just wanted to work without being forced to choose between their job and their body.

Sources:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Facts About Pregnancy Discrimination.” eeoc.gov

• National Partnership for Women & Families. “Pregnancy Discrimination.” nationalpartnership.org

• History.com. “The Fight Against Pregnancy Discrimination.” history.com