Job Loss during Pregnancy in Wisconsin: What to do Next
Being pregnant and fired from your job is an overwhelming situation. You may be worried about finances, healthcare, and your future. If you’re experiencing this in Wisconsin, know that you have options, support, and legal protections. Whether you’re looking for financial assistance, employment rights information, or considering adoption as an option, we are here to provide the guidance and resources you need.
No matter what challenges you are facing, you don’t have to navigate them alone. There are legal protections that can help you challenge an unfair termination, financial resources to support you through your pregnancy, and adoption professionals who can help you explore your options in a safe and supportive environment.
If you’re feeling lost and need help, immediate support is available. Call 1-800-ADOPTION for free, confidential assistance.
Navigating Unemployment Eligibility in Wisconsin
What Happens if You’re Fired While Pregnant in Wisconsin?
Losing your job while pregnant can be devastating, but it’s important to understand the difference between being laid off and being fired. If you were terminated without cause, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, if your employer claims misconduct, you may have to challenge their reasoning when applying for benefits.
Wisconsin follows federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) ensures that pregnant employees are treated fairly. Unfortunately, some employers still unlawfully terminate workers after they disclose their pregnancy.
Your Rights as a Pregnant Woman at Work
Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which ensures that employees are not penalized for requesting workplace modifications related to pregnancy.
These accommodations can include more frequent breaks, modified work schedules, temporary reassignment to less strenuous duties, or remote work options. Employers cannot legally fire you for being pregnant or for requesting reasonable accommodations to protect your health and that of your baby.
If you believe discrimination was involved in your termination, you have the right to file a complaint through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the PWFA on a federal level, and you may also file a claim through the EEOC’s online portal to ensure your case is reviewed.
If you suspect your firing was discriminatory, you may be entitled to compensation or reinstatement. Taking legal action can help protect your rights and hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices.
How to Apply for Unemployment in Wisconsin
Visit the Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits Portal.
- File an application and provide details about your termination.
- If your claim is denied, consider an appeal with legal guidance.
- Seek additional resources through Wisconsin’s Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections.
If you need legal advice on how to navigate the unemployment system, contact a labor rights attorney or a local advocacy organization for assistance.
Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women in Crisis
How to Access Support in Wisconsin When Pregnant and Unemployed
If you’ve lost your job while pregnant, financial help is available. You shouldn’t have to struggle alone—here are some ways to get the support you need.
Rental Assistance and Housing Support
Many organizations in Wisconsin help pregnant women secure safe housing. Programs such as Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance and local shelters offer aid to those in need. If you are at risk of eviction, you may also qualify for emergency housing assistance through county social services or non-profits that assist expectant mothers in crisis.
Food Assistance (SNAP Benefits)
The Wisconsin FoodShare Program helps pregnant women afford groceries, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. Apply online through Wisconsin ACCESS.
If you are concerned about affording food, local food banks and women’s shelters can provide meals and grocery vouchers. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is another excellent resource that offers nutritional support specifically for expectant mothers.
Healthcare and Medicaid
Wisconsin offers BadgerCare Plus, a Medicaid program for pregnant women. This ensures you receive prenatal care even if you’re unemployed. Apply at Wisconsin DHS. BadgerCare Plus covers doctor visits, prenatal vitamins, labor and delivery costs, and postpartum care.
Other Local Resources
For additional assistance, visit Adoption Assistance in Wisconsin to explore financial support available for birth mothers considering adoption.
Local churches, charities, and community outreach programs often provide assistance, including transportation to doctor’s appointments, baby supplies, and clothing.
Empowering Options — Adoption as a Life-Affirming Choice
Adoption in Wisconsin — A Compassionate and Empowering Option
If you’re pregnant, unemployed, and unsure of what to do next, adoption may be an option worth considering. It’s a selfless choice that can provide both you and your child with security and a brighter future.
Open Adoption: Staying Connected
Adoption in Wisconsin doesn’t mean saying goodbye forever. Open adoption offers a beautiful and flexible opportunity to stay connected with your child while ensuring they receive the stable, loving home they deserve.
Many birth mothers find peace in knowing they can watch their child grow, receive updates, and even maintain a relationship through visits, letters, or phone calls, depending on their comfort level. This process allows you to play a meaningful role in your child’s life while also creating a secure foundation for your future.
You are not alone in this journey, and adoption can be a compassionate choice that empowers you with support, reassurance, and lifelong connections. Learn more here about how open adoption can provide hope and possibilities for you and your child.
Financial Assistance for Birth Mothers
Choosing adoption can provide financial relief, covering essential expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, medical bills, and even maternity clothing. When facing financial hardship during pregnancy, it’s reassuring to know that assistance is available to help you focus on your well-being and your baby’s future.
By working with a trusted adoption professional, you can access the resources you need to maintain stability, ensuring you have a safe place to live, nutritious food to support a healthy pregnancy, and the medical care necessary for both you and your baby.
This financial support extends beyond just pregnancy—it can also help cover postpartum recovery costs, counseling, and essential services that help you move forward with confidence. Learn about available support here and take the first step toward a more stable and secure future.
24/7 Counseling and Support
You don’t have to go through this alone. Speak with a compassionate professional anytime at 1-800-ADOPTION.
Your Legal Rights as a Pregnant Worker in Wisconsin
Understanding Pregnancy Discrimination
Federal and Wisconsin laws protect pregnant women from workplace discrimination, ensuring that no one should lose their job simply for being pregnant. If you were fired unfairly, it is important to take action. You have rights, and there are legal avenues available to protect you.
Filing a claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development can help you seek justice and hold employers accountable.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If your termination happened shortly after disclosing your pregnancy, it might not be a coincidence. Many women experience subtle forms of workplace discrimination, from being passed over for promotions to suddenly being let go without clear justification. If this sounds familiar, legal counsel may be able to help.
There are organizations in Wisconsin that offer free consultations, helping you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case. Taking action now can help protect not just yourself, but other women facing similar injustices.
Handling Unemployment Claims
Losing your job while pregnant is stressful enough without the added burden of financial uncertainty. If your employer claims misconduct to deny you benefits, don’t lose hope—you have the right to appeal your unemployment claim. Wisconsin provides protections for workers who have been wrongfully terminated.
Begin the process by visiting Wisconsin UI Benefits and filing your claim as soon as possible. If your claim is denied, consider reaching out to an employment rights advocate or legal professional who can help you challenge the decision. Financial relief is available, and you deserve every opportunity to access it.
Considering Adoption — A Path to Stability and Support
Taking Control of Your Future
Losing your job while pregnant doesn’t mean you have to face hardship alone. While this may feel like an impossible situation, there are paths forward that can help you regain control and hope. You deserve security, support, and a future full of promise.
For some expectant mothers, especially those going through crises, caring for a newborn child could be an extremely challenging and potentially unwanted endeavor. If you find yourself in a situation like this, you should know adoption is an option for your child.
Adoption is compassionate, selfless, and could provide your child opportunities and support they may not otherwise receive. Adoption also doesn’t mean saying goodbye; if you want to, you can stay in touch with your child and their adoptive parents as your child grows.
Adoption as a Fresh Start
If you’re struggling, know that choosing adoption can give you and your child a hopeful future. Adoption is not about giving up—it’s about making a brave, thoughtful choice that ensures stability, love, and opportunity for your baby.
You can take an active role in shaping your child's future while receiving the support and care you need. Open adoption allows you to remain connected to your child, if that is something you want. Many birth mothers find peace and fulfillment in knowing their child is safe, loved, and thriving.
You are not alone in this journey. Learn more about your options by visiting our Adoption Process Guide to see how adoption can be a positive and empowering choice for you and your child.
Get Free Help Today
Your future is still bright, and you deserve all the support necessary to move forward with confidence. No matter where you are in your journey, help is available—without judgment, without pressure, and at no cost to you.
Whether you need financial assistance, legal guidance, or emotional support, compassionate professionals are ready to walk with you every step of the way.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION today for free, confidential guidance. Hope, stability, and a future full of possibilities are within your reach.
A New Beginning — You Are Not Alone
Your pregnancy should be met with support, understanding, and encouragement—not job loss and financial uncertainty. You deserve to feel safe and empowered as you navigate this chapter of your life.
In Wisconsin, there are numerous resources available to help you regain stability, from financial assistance to legal protections and compassionate adoption options.
No matter what challenges you’re facing, hope is not lost. You have the strength and resilience to create a future where you and your baby can thrive.
Whether you choose to explore financial aid programs, fight against workplace discrimination, or consider the life-changing gift of adoption, know that you have options and people who care about your well-being. You are not alone in this journey—support is just a phone call away.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION today to learn more about how you can receive the support you deserve.
Disclaimer
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