Indiana Health Care Service Sued for Pregnancy Discrimination

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – An Indiana health care service corporation operating a dental clinic in South Bend violated federal law when it fired an employee because she was pregnant and about to go on maternity leave, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit. According to the suit (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Indiana Health Centers, Inc., Civil Action No. 3:10-cv-412-PF), Indiana Health Centers, Inc. terminated a dental hygienist shortly after her supervisor learned she was pregnant.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because she is pregnant. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement. The EEOC seeks back pay including pre-judgment interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as an injunction enjoining Indiana Health Centers, Inc., from engaging in further sex discrimination and requiring it to take other measures to ensure a workplace free of discrimination for current and future employees.