These women were laid off while on maternity leave. Yes, it's legal, and probably more common than you thought
- Posted on September 2, 2026
- By CNBC
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
Maternity leave layoffs represent a troubling employment practice that, despite raising ethical concerns, remain legally permissible in many jurisdictions. When companies terminate employees during protected maternity periods, workers face compounded financial and emotional stress while managing newborn responsibilities. This phenomenon occurs more frequently than publicly acknowledged, affecting countless families navigating the challenging intersection of workforce participation and parenthood.
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