by Mokolo LawUnderstanding Mothers’ Legal Rights During Pregnancy in Texas
Pregnancy is a special and sometimes challenging time. As an expecting mother in Texas, you should never feel confused about your rights; whether at work, at home, or during medical decisions. Texas law gives pregnant women several protections to ensure they are treated fairly, protected from discrimination, and able to make decisions about their health and their baby.
This guide breaks down your legal rights during pregnancy in simple terms, so you fully understand what the law allows you to do and how to protect yourself.
Understanding Mothers’ Legal Rights During Pregnancy in Texas
1. Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
In Texas, it is illegal for your employer to treat you unfairly because you are pregnant. That means:
- Your employer cannot reduce your hours, demote you, push you out, or dismiss you simply because you are expecting a baby.
- You can’t be fired because you’re pregnant.
- You must be treated the same as other employees
- If an employer allows workers with temporary health conditions to take time off, change duties, or avoid heavy lifting, they must offer the same accommodations to pregnant women.
- Interviews and hiring decisions must be fair
- Employers cannot refuse to hire you because you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
This protection applies under both Texas Labour Laws and federal laws such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
2. Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations
If pregnancy causes physical limitations, you can request reasonable accommodations at work. Examples include:
- Light-duty assignments
- More breaks (water, restroom, or rest breaks)
- Modified schedules
- Help with lifting
- Temporary reassignment to safer tasks
You do not need to quit your job or work in unsafe conditions because you’re pregnant. Your employer must work with you to find a solution that is safe and reasonable.
3. The Right to Maternity Leave (Even If It’s Not Paid)
Texas does not require private employers to provide paid maternity leave, but you still have rights under federal law.
FMLA Leave (12 Weeks of Job-Protected Leave)
If your employer has 50+ employees and you have worked there for at least a year, you may qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected maternity leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
This means your job (or an equivalent one) must be waiting for you when you return.
Smaller employers must still follow other pregnancy accommodation laws
Even if your workplace is small, they still cannot discriminate against you or deny accommodations.
4. Your Right to Make Your Own Medical Decisions
Texas law allows pregnant women to make their own choices regarding:
- Prenatal care
- Labor and delivery options
- Choosing your doctor or midwife
- Creating a birth plan
You have the right to ask questions, to get second opinions, and to refuse any procedure you do not want unless it is a medical emergency.
5. Protections Against Domestic Violence During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can unfortunately increase vulnerability in unsafe relationships. Texas offers strong protections:
- You can get a protective order to stop threats or violence.
- Police can arrest an abusive partner on the spot.
- Courts can order the abuser to stay away from your home, workplace, and medical facilities.
- Judges may grant temporary custody or support during the case.
6. Child Support Rights Before and After Birth
Texas allows mothers to request support for:
- Pregnancy-related medical expenses
- Birth costs
- Child support after the baby is born
The father can be ordered to help pay these costs once paternity is established.
7. Your Right to Workplace Privacy
Your employer does not have the right to:
- Share your pregnancy information without your permission
- Force you to announce your pregnancy
- Pressure you into quitting
- Ask invasive questions about your due date or medical condition unless it relates to accommodations you request
Final Thoughts on Understanding Mothers’ Legal Rights During Pregnancy in Texas
Pregnancy is a meaningful season, but it can also come with stress, especially when you’re unsure about your rights. As an expecting mother in Texas, you deserve dignity, fairness, safety, and support, both at home and in the workplace. The law is clear: no employer, partner, or institution has the right to treat you unfairly, endanger your health, or make decisions for you. Understanding your legal protections is the first step in making sure you and your baby are safe, respected, and empowered.
You deserve peace of mind during pregnancy and we are here to help you secure it. If you believe your rights have been violated, reach out to Mokolo Law Firm. We’re ready to support you, guide you, and ensure you receive the fairness and protection the law promises.