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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    3

    Default Questions About Pregnancy During Interview

    I was just wondering if anyone knew if it was illegal for an employer to ask during an interview if you're pregnant. Also, is it illegal for them to say they will not hire you just because you're pregnant?
    Story:
    I went on an interview about 2 weeks ago. I was very excited because I needed a 2nd job, and the woman all but told me on the phone that she was going to hire me. Well, on the way to her office, I had to move out of someone's way and (out of habit) touched my hand to my stomach. She stared at my stomach for a few seconds and we continued to her office. As soon as we got into her office, she began to ask me if I had any kids, was I planning on having any more soon, and then she looked at me and asked "Are you pregnant now?" I just looked at her, not wanting to answer. She shook her head and got this disappointed look on her face and said that if I was pregnant, she would not hire me. She asked some more questions, but none of them were about the job or my application, she was just making conversation.
    I've heard different things, but I would like to know if this is legal or not. Also, are there any special conditions that would allow her to ask such questions? I live in Missouri and was 25 weeks pregnant at the time (but just looking pudgy, not pregnant).

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: Questions during interview.

    Although it is not technically not illegal to ask the question, it is very, very unwise to do so. And it IS illegal to refuse to hire you because you are pregnant.

    Caveat: if the employer has less than 15 employees, they are exempted from the Federal law that makes it illegal. I'll have to check when I get back to my office if the same holds true under Missouri law.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Questions About Pregnancy During Interview

    Does anyone else have any info? Please help.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    200

    Default Re: Questions About Pregnancy During Interview

    If the employer has at least 15 employees, contact EEOC and discuss your situation with them. The contact number for EEOC is 1-800-669-4000 and their website is www.eeoc.gov.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Il.(near StL,Mo.)
    Posts
    5,252

    Default Re: Questions About Pregnancy During Interview

    I know this thread was last posted on 3 wks. ago but in Mo. you only need 6 employees.

  6. #6
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Questions About Pregnancy During Interview

    Not to defend this action but if your an employer why would you hire someone who you know will go on leave in less than a year? I agree its wrong to not hire for this reason but if your running a business you need your staff there, not a Dr, appointment of family leave!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Il.(near StL,Mo.)
    Posts
    5,252

    Default Re: Questions About Pregnancy During Interview

    They would hire them because it could fall under the law that you can't deny employment to a woman JUST because she is pregnant. They would be doing something illegal. I guess if the law didn't apply (ie not enough employees . . .), business wise I guess it does make sense not to hire them but I would because I'm nice & I wouldn't want to discriminate law or not.

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