Pregnancy should not put your job or career trajectory at risk. Yet many employees in New York find themselves in an impossible position when they ask for basic accommodations and are met with resistance, silence, or outright refusal. You may already be balancing physical changes, medical appointments, and personal responsibilities. Having to fight your employer at the same time can add unnecessary pressure during a moment that should be supported, not questioned.
New York law is clear. Pregnant employees have the right to reasonable accommodations, and employers are required to engage in that process in good faith. When they refuse, it may amount to pregnancy discrimination.
Understanding Pregnancy Accommodations in New York
Reasonable accommodations are adjustments that allow you to continue working safely during pregnancy. These accommodations depend on your role and medical needs, but the law does not require you to be disabled or unable to work to qualify. Employers are expected to engage in a cooperative conversation to understand what you need and whether it can be provided without undue hardship.
Under New York law, refusing to even discuss accommodations, delaying the process without explanation, or forcing you onto unpaid leave instead of adjusting your role can all raise legal concerns. An employer cannot simply decide that accommodations are inconvenient or unnecessary without properly evaluating the request.
What to Do If Your Employer Refuses to Accommodate You
If your employer denies your request, the first step is to slow things down and document what is happening. Write down when you asked for accommodations, who you spoke with, and how the employer responded. Keep copies of emails, messages, and any written policies that apply to your role. Even brief conversations should be noted while they are still fresh.
It is also important to understand your legal protections. New York State Human Rights Law and the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act both prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy and require reasonable accommodations for pregnancy related conditions. New York law often provides broader protection, particularly when employers fail to engage in a meaningful dialogue.
In some cases, a note from your healthcare provider can help clarify what accommodations are medically recommended. While employers are allowed to request limited medical information, they cannot use that process to delay or deny reasonable adjustments indefinitely.
When Legal Guidance Becomes Important
If your employer continues to refuse accommodations, begins treating you differently, or suggests that you should take leave instead of receiving adjustments, it may be time to speak with a New York pregnancy discrimination lawyer. This is especially true if your request is followed by negative performance reviews, changes to your duties, reduced hours, or threats to your position.
An attorney can help assess whether your employer’s conduct violates the law and advise you on next steps. In many situations, early legal involvement can help resolve the issue before it escalates further.
New York Law Offers Strong Protection for Pregnant Employees
New York has taken a firm stance on protecting pregnant workers. State law requires employers to accommodate pregnancy related conditions and prohibits retaliation against employees who request those accommodations. Employers are also barred from forcing employees onto leave when reasonable adjustments would allow them to continue working.
Understanding how these laws apply to your specific role and workplace is critical, especially when employers push back or misstate their obligations.
How Mizrahi Kroub LLP Supports Pregnant Employees
Mizrahi Kroub LLP is a full-service, plaintiff-side employment law firm based in New York City’s Financial District. Our attorneys regularly represent employees facing pregnancy discrimination, accommodation denials, and retaliation. We understand how quickly these situations can affect your income, your professional reputation, and your sense of security at work.
Our team focuses on helping clients assert their rights early, document employer conduct properly, and hold employers accountable when they refuse to follow the law. We approach these cases with care, precision, and a clear understanding of how pregnancy discrimination shows up in modern workplaces.
Take Action Before the Situation Escalates
If your employer is refusing to provide reasonable accommodations during pregnancy, waiting can make things harder. Delays can affect your health, your job, and your legal options. You deserve clarity and support, not resistance.
Contact Mizrahi Kroub LLP as soon as possible to speak with a New York pregnancy discrimination lawyer. Getting guidance early can help protect your rights, your career, and your well-being during this critical time.
