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Los Angeles Breastfeeding Discrimination Lawyers

Breastfeeding women are now offered even greater protection in the workplace due to recent legislation explicitly prohibiting discrimination against them. This law, effective January 1, 2013, supplements existing California law addressing breastfeeding in the workplace and heightens employer obligations.

The legislation was enacted, in part, to reflect a decision by the Fair Employment and Housing Commission(FEHC) in 2009 in which an employee was terminated because she was nursing her baby during her lunchtime break.

California law provides that a mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, except the private home or residence of another, where the mother and the child are otherwise authorized to be present. California law further requires that employers provide breastfeeding mothers with a breastfeeding break as well as a room within close proximity to the employee's working area to express milk in private.

For guidance concerning your unique situation, call our firm at (818) 990-8300 or fill out our online form.

What Laws Protect Breastfeeding at Work in California?

AB 2386 amends the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and makes it clear that breastfeeding is protected by law and discrimination on that basis is illegal and could result in a lawsuit for discrimination. The FEHC's decision was designated as having presidential authority, thus such discrimination is a violation of FEHA.

The amended Government Code definition of “sex” includes, but is not limited to:

  • Pregnancy or medical conditions related to pregnancy.
  • Childbirth or medical conditions related to childbirth.
  • Breastfeeding or medical conditions related to childbirth.

Breastfeeding Employees Are a "Protected Class"

Thus, lactating employees constitute a protected class that may not be discriminated or retaliated against or harassed. Lactating mothers are a protected class on the basis of sex.

  • Has your employer provided the necessary lactation accommodations?
  • Have you been afforded the necessary breaks during the workday for lactation purposes?
  • Has your employer taken adverse action against you because of your need to express breast milk or breastfeed your infant?

Get Help from Experienced Attorneys Today!

The discrimination attorneys at Kingsley Szamet & Ly can assist you in answering these questions and many more about your case. Proving discrimination can be challenging, but with the right legal team, it can be done. Take the first step to protecting yourself and stopping this hurtful and illegal behavior.

Take advantage of a free initial consultation to discuss your specific case by calling the toll-free number (818) 990-8300 or clicking here to contact us regarding your case.

We Hold Employers Accountable - Get Help Now

You do not have to go through this alone. Contact our Los Angeles Employment law firm for a free case evaluation. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any fees unless you win or recover compensation, and you will never have to pay out-of-pocket. California-only. We are unable to help those outside of California. Call (818) 990-8300

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