Pregnancy discrimination

One in two Australian mothers experience pregnancy-related discrimination, whether during their pregnancy, while they're on parental leave or after returning to work, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Pregnancy discrimination in Australia

• Young mothers (aged 18-24), single mothers and mums with disabilities are more likely to experience discrimination during pregnancy than older, coupled-up mums and mums without disability
• 91 per cent of mothers who experience discrimination do not make a formal complaint — for reasons including emotional exhaustion and a fear of reputational damage
• One in two (49 per cent) Australian mothers having experienced pregnancy-related discrimination at work at some point during pregnancy,      parental leave or on return to work

Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

Four women — aged from their 20s to their 40s — from different parts of Australia have shared their stories of discrimination with ABC Life. Read their stories here