If you are dealing with workplace discrimination because of IVF treatment or fertility issues, your employer is violating your fundamental rights. When you need a Chicago IVF discrimination lawyer, our team at Wanta Thome can help. We understand the emotional and professional strain that workplace discrimination creates, and our employment discrimination attorneys take direct, assertive action to enforce your rights under federal and state law and ensure you receive fair treatment and respect. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.
Discrimination by employers against IVF manifests in various harmful ways, including:
Hostile work environment situations develop when managers or coworkers make inappropriate comments about your fertility treatment, question your personal reproductive choices, or create uncomfortable working conditions. If you recognize any of the following discrimination issues, our Chicago legal team can review your case and offer tailored advice on your fertility-related rights.
When you work with our experienced attorneys in Chicago, we can help you identify clear evidence of illegal conduct in relation to your conception treatment. Direct discrimination examples include explicit statements that you must not become pregnant, negative performance reviews following disclosure of IVF treatment, sudden job changes after requesting medical leave, or ending your contract soon after you start fertility treatment. Negative comments made by your supervisor about treatment costs or time off can also strengthen such claims.
Not all discrimination is blatant, however. Subtle signs of discrimination include your employer or supervisor excluding you from important projects or meetings after disclosing your IVF plans.
Federal and state laws provide robust protections against IVF discrimination. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects fertility treatment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act may apply when infertility constitutes a disability that substantially limits major life activities.
The Illinois Human Rights Act offers additional state-level protections against discrimination in reproductive health, while the Family and Medical Leave Act ensures eligible employees can take protected leave for IVF procedures without reprisal. During an initial consultation, our Chicago attorneys can examine your IVF discrimination case to determine which laws could be applied to hold your employer accountable.
As a Chicago attorney from our team can further explain, several forms of compensation are available for proven IVF discrimination. Economic damages include back pay for lost earnings, front pay for future earnings losses, and compensation for lost benefits or bonuses. Non-economic damages cover emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of professional reputation. Furthermore, punitive damages may apply in cases of particularly egregious discrimination. You can also apply to recover attorney fees and litigation costs in successful cases.
Beyond monetary compensation, courts can order injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination. This may include reinstatement to your former position, removal of negative information from personnel files, implementation of anti-discrimination training programs, or revision of company policies to prevent future violations. These remedies help create safer workplaces for all employees facing fertility challenges.
Successful IVF discrimination cases require thorough documentation and evidence. Keep detailed records of all fertility treatment dates and related absences. Our experienced legal team in Chicago will use this evidence to build a compelling case for IVF discrimination.
Time limits apply to discrimination claims, making prompt action essential. You must typically file your claim within 300 days of the discriminatory act, although state deadlines may differ. You can start by following your company’s internal complaint process, though you don’t always need to. Your legal representative from Wanta Thome can file IVF discrimination charges with the appropriate agencies and take steps to protect you from retaliation.
Our team at Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers strives to provide comprehensive legal support to hold discriminatory employers accountable for their mistreatment. When working with our Chicago IVF discrimination attorneys, you receive:
If you are experiencing discrimination related to IVF treatment or fertility issues, don’t try to deal with it alone. Our dedicated attorneys at Wanta Thome have extensive experience protecting employees’ reproductive rights. Contact our Chicago IVF discrimination lawyer today to discuss your situation and how we can help you protect your career while building your family.