Job Loss During Pregnancy: Your Options

Losing your job while balancing an unplanned pregnancy can be an overwhelming situation. Before panicking about unemployment and pregnancy, know that American Adoptions of Indiana is always here to help.

Several programs can keep you from any unnecessary hardships due to being unemployed.

This article will explore some of those laws and programs and provide information on the services we can offer if you are pregnant and unemployed or pregnant and too tired to work and considering adoption.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to speak with a specialist about any questions or concerns. Until then, continue reading to learn more about what to do if you lose your job while pregnant.

I’m Pregnant and Unemployed: How American Adoptions Can Help

American Adoptions of Indiana understands the added stress that comes with being pregnant and unemployed and is here to help. When you choose adoption for your baby, you are choosing a life of love and opportunity. You are choosing a brighter future for everyone involved – including yourself.

Adoption is always 100% free for pregnant women. As a pregnant woman in Indiana, you are eligible for financial assistance through our agency. The aid is designed to help with expenses like:

The amount of assistance you can receive is mandated through the Indiana court system. Your specialist from American Adoptions will help you receive the highest allotted amount possible to help offset if you are pregnant and can’t work or are pregnant and fired from work.

Pregnant and Fired – Understanding Your Rights

As a pregnant woman in Indiana, you have rights and protections under the “Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)” and the Indiana Civil Rights Law. It is illegal for employers to treat you unfairly or adversely due to your pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to either. This includes postpartum medical conditions as well.

The PDA states it is illegal for an employer to:

• Not hire a candidate due to their current or future pregnancy status

• No grant a promotion due to pregnancy

• Fire and employee due to their pregnancy

• Prevent an employee from working due to being pregnant

• Refuse to make acceptable accommodations for specific work duties

• Refuse leave under the Family Medical Leave Act

• Fail to pay a pregnant employee

• Other aspects of discrimination

If you feel you have been discriminated against or are pregnant and fired from work, you may consider contacting an attorney to discuss your specific situation. 

Unemployment for Pregnant Mothers in Indiana

If you are pregnant and unemployed, you may be asking, “Can I get unemployment if I’m pregnant and can’t work?” The initial answer is yes, but it depends on your employment history and situation.

If you lost your job due to layoffs, lack of work or other reasons beyond your control, there is a good chance you are eligible for unemployment. No matter your situation, you will have to apply to receive unemployment, as it is not automatically applied, even if you are pregnant and unemployed.

There are limitations on the amount you can receive from unemployment benefits, as well as the time you can claim unemployment.

It is important to understand that unemployment for pregnant mothers is only available in situations where you lose your job for reasons out of your control.

Suppose you were fired from your job due to behavior, attendance, or any other reason due to your performance. In that case, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits or severance from your previous employer.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to see the services we provide throughout your pregnancy and adoption process and to learn more about the options you have available if you are pregnant and unemployed.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.