A Qualitative Study Describing Experiences of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace

J D Borrowman; Mackenzie Unke; Melissa Jones; Kara M Whitaker

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003136

A Qualitative Study Describing Experiences of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003136. Online ahead of print.

Authors

J D Borrowman¹, Mackenzie Unke¹, Melissa Jones², Kara M Whitaker¹

Affiliations

¹ 225S. Grand Ave., University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
² 318 Meadow Brook Rd., Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA.

PMID: 38729198
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003136

Abstract

Objectives: Qualitatively assess experiences of occupational pregnancy discrimination.

Methods: A fully remote phenomenological qualitative study was completed leveraging semi-structured interviews with a sample of pregnant employees in the US. Inclusion criteria included being pregnant, working at least 35 hours/week, employed at least one year at current employer, and without diagnosed depression/anxiety.

Results: Participants (N = 20) were on average 30 years of age, worked 42.6 hours per week, self-identified as non-Hispanic black (50%) and earned least a bachelor's degree (85%). Individuals successfully identified various forms of pregnancy discrimination, believing it occurred due to systemic issues or perceptions that women are weak. Most did not report experiences of discrimination fearing retaliation or being unaware of workplace protections.

Conclusion: Pregnancy discrimination in the workplaces comes in various forms and is an issue for some working pregnant individuals.