The new research exposes the shocking discrimination experienced by women in the workplace who go through reproductive health issues
Many women don’t tell their employer they are undergoing fertility treatment or have experienced pregnancy loss because they don't believe they will be supported, new research has found.
And of those who do get the courage to share their experience, 1 in 4 suffer discrimination or disadvantage, the Pregnant Then Screwed report reveals.
'Let’s be damn well clear about what this is – it is sex discrimination,' said the campaigning charity organisation.
'It is an extension of pregnancy and maternity discrimination which forces 1 in 9 women out of their job every year for getting up the duff.
'Our data proves something women have known for decades – many employers view pregnant women, and those trying to get pregnant, as a liability.
'This type of discrimination is particularly brutal as it happens when women are really fragile, many are in physical and emotional pain, but rather than treating their employee with the dignity and respect they deserve, they make their life even harder.'
The research released during infertility awareness week in partnership with Women In Data found only 42% of women undergoing fertility treatment informed their boss, and 24% of those received no support from their employer, while another 24% said they experienced unfair treatment as a result of the news.
The report also found 1 in 5 women who had gone through pregnancy loss as part of a couple also reported that they had experienced unfair treatment at work as a result of the news.
In contrast to this, only 6% of the womens' partners who told their boss the same tragic news had to deal with any negative treatment.
'Women are incredibly vulnerable at this time'
Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: 'We are seeing an increasing number of calls to our helpline from women who experience discrimination in the workplace as a result of reproductive health issues.
'Going through the unknowns of fertility treatment, or the utter heartbreak of baby loss, can be excruciating for many women.
'That pain and emotional trauma is compounded by hostile employers who discriminate against women for wanting a baby.
'Women are incredibly vulnerable at this time, and they need support from their employer, rather than prejudice. And employers should be very aware that this type of behaviour is unlawful and could land them in court if they are not careful.'
The charity is now launching a new programme that will help employers get better at managing reproductive health issues amongst the workplace.
As well as this, in June, they have plans to host a free Women in the Workplace seminar, that'll help businesses find out more about the accreditation scheme and training.
It comes after a World Health Organisation (WHO) report earlier this year revealed that 1 in 6 people around the world experienced infertility.
The needs of mothers are ignored by those in power. Together we are taking on the government & employers to fight for better childcare, flexible working, parental leave, access to justice & an end to maternity discrimination. Join us https://t.co/nJzHtW1q3O
— PregnantThenScrewed (@PregnantScrewed) April 1, 2023
'It’s in the best interests of both employers and employees to get this right'
Joeli Brearley added: 'Earlier this year we launched our mental health support line and it blew up – we have had to dial up the support that we can offer to meet demand.
'Mothers are struggling. This discriminatory behaviour doesn’t just impact women’s career prospects, the lasting impact on their mental health can be devastating, and costly to both businesses and to staff wellbeing.'
She continued: 'It’s in the best interests of both employers and employees to get this right. Starting from now. That is why we have launched a new programme of free training for employers - because this really matters.'
If you've been affected by infertility, you can talk to other parents who have been through the same thing in our forum here.
