Family & Life

Workplace Influences Pregnancy Decisions : 27th Nov 07

Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace in Ireland Still a Problem

Workplace policy and culture significantly influence the decisions made by women facing a crisis pregnancy, according to a report in the “Irish Medical Times” (Nov.16).

Problems with continuing their career is cited as one of the biggest factors influencing Irish woman to have an abortion. Research undertaken by Trinity College Dublin, involving women who have had an abortion shows that their job or career issues strongly influenced their decision not to continue as a parent of their unborn child.

Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is still a problem in Ireland, the research found, despite being illegal since 1997. Figures show that in 2006 there were 3,716 queries to the Equality Authority under the Maternity Protection Act.

The research concluded that “workers need to be supported to allow them to combine employment with family and personal commitments”.

According to Roseanne Smith, a mother of a young family, writing in The Irish Times, “legislation does indeed exist which is intended to protect mothers from inequality in the workplace. However, employers are well informed by Government and employers' bodies about the same legislation—so well informed that no mention of the real reasons for isolation or demotion ("Are you planning on having more children?") would ever escape their lips.

It is not possible to act upon a perceived bias, she pointed out. The onus is on the working mother to prove that genuine inequality has taken place. Speaking from experience, there aren't enough hours in the day.” The Irish Medical Times. The Irish Times. November 19. CLICK TO READ MORE.....

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Family & Life

Workplace Influences Pregnancy Decisions : 27th Nov 07

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