Job Loss During Pregnancy in Arkansas
Getting pregnant and fired can create an immediate, overwhelming sense of panic regarding your financial stability and your baby's future. Understanding your rights and the resources available in Arkansas can turn that panic into a plan of action.
This guide will explain your legal protections against discrimination, how to file for unemployment, and how adoption can provide a financial safety net.
If you are unemployed and pregnant and need immediate support, contact us online today to speak with a specialist about your options.
Can you be fired for being pregnant in Arkansas?
It is illegal for an employer to fire you simply because you are pregnant.
Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is prohibited in workplaces with 15 or more employees.
If you were pregnant and fired from job duties shortly after disclosing your pregnancy, or if you were singled out for restrictions that other non-pregnant employees were not subject to, you may be facing discrimination.
Proving this often requires demonstrating that your employer treated you differently than other temporarily disabled employees.
If you believe you were pregnant and fired from work illegally, you can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
When it’s legal to be fired while pregnant
While the law protects you from discrimination, being pregnant does not grant you total immunity from termination. Arkansas is an "at-will" employment state, which means an employer can generally terminate employment at any time for any reason—or no reason at all—as long as it is not discriminatory.
Consequently, you can be pregnant and lose job opportunities due to valid reasons such as:
If the decision to let you go was based on at-will employment standards and unrelated to your condition, the termination is likely legal.
Lost your job while pregnant? Here’s what you can do in Arkansas
Being pregnant and losing your job can be a jarring experience, regardless of whether you have a support system or savings in place.
You may feel paralyzed by the sudden loss of income, but there are things you need to do in order to make sure you are prepared for what’s to come.
We are here to explain the practical options you can take to secure your future.
Collect evidence of wrongful termination, if applicable
If you suspect you were pregnant and lost job duties due to discrimination, you must document everything immediately.
To better understand if you have a case, you can consult with resources on wrongful termination or speak with a local labor attorney.
This evidence will be essential if you decide to file a claim with the EEOC.
Check if you qualify for unemployment
If you are unemployed and pregnant, you may be eligible for financial relief.
To receive unemployment for pregnant mothers, you generally must meet the same requirements as any other worker in Arkansas: you must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment.
You can file a claim through Arkansas Workforce Services to determine your eligibility.
Be aware that there may be waiting periods, and unemployment for pregnant mothers usually only provides a portion of your previous income.
Apply for temporary disability benefits
Many women ask, "Can I get unemployment if I’m pregnant and can’t work?" If you are physically unable to work due to medical complications, you likely will not qualify for standard unemployment, which requires you to be available for work.
Instead, you should investigate temporary disability benefits.
There is a distinct difference between being pregnant and too tired to work versus having a medical order preventing you from working. A doctor’s note is required to verify that your condition prevents employment.
If you are pregnant and can’t work, reviewing the guidelines for disability benefits is a necessary step to maintaining financial stability.
Considering adoption when you’re pregnant and unemployed?
If you are single unemployed and pregnant, you might have thought about not being able to provide the life you envisioned for your baby.
Adoption is a proactive, loving decision that allows you to provide a bright future for your child while receiving the support you need.
When you choose adoption with American Adoptions, you may be eligible for court-approved financial assistance to cover pregnancy-related expenses, such as rent, utilities, and groceries.
This support allows you to focus on your health rather than worrying about being pregnant and unemployed.
Contact us today to get answers. Imagine moving forward with a plan that ensures your baby is loved and your needs are met—fill out our online form to get started.
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.
