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A former Google employee has filed a lawsuit alleging she was discriminated against after becoming pregnant and experiencing pregnancy complications. The suit, filed in February 2026, claims the tech giant retaliated against her following a medical leave and subsequent notification of a second pregnancy, raising questions about workplace protections for expectant mothers in the tech industry.
The plaintiff alleges that after being forced to undergo an emergency pregnancy termination due to a serious genetic condition detected in the fetus, she took several days of sick leave followed by four weeks of bereavement leave. Upon her return to work in September 2024, she received a low performance rating despite having been on leave for a significant portion of the rating period. This initial rating set the stage for further alleged discrimination.
According to the complaint, the employee diligently completed her projects and met all requirements by the end of 2024. However, she received a consistently low performance rating for the entire year. When she questioned her supervisor about the assessment, she was reportedly told that her time off for surgery and bereavement had resulted in “slow velocity” and “project delay,” justifying the negative evaluation. This explanation forms a central part of the discrimination claim.
The situation escalated in February 2025 when the plaintiff informed her supervisor she was pregnant again. The following day, she was terminated from her position at Google. The lawsuit contends this timing strongly suggests a retaliatory motive for her dismissal, linking it directly to her pregnancy status.
Allegations Detail Pattern of Retaliation
The core of the lawsuit centers on the claim that Google penalized the employee for utilizing medical leave and for subsequent pregnancies. The plaintiff argues that the negative performance reviews were not based on legitimate performance concerns but were instead a pretext for discrimination. The alleged comments from her supervisor regarding “slow velocity” and “project delay” are presented as evidence of this bias. The lawsuit further asserts that the timing of her termination – the day after informing her supervisor of her second pregnancy – is particularly damning.
Broader Context of Pregnancy Discrimination
This lawsuit comes amid increasing scrutiny of workplace practices related to pregnancy and parental leave. Recent reports indicate a rise in pregnancy discrimination claims filed against major companies, including Google. A separate case, highlighted by Law360, involves similar allegations of termination following pregnancy complications.
What’s Next in the Case
The lawsuit is currently proceeding through the legal system. Google has not yet publicly commented on the specific allegations. The case will likely involve discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial. The outcome could set a precedent for how companies handle employee leave and pregnancy-related issues. It also underscores the importance of robust internal policies and training to prevent discrimination and ensure equitable treatment for all employees.
Here’s a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
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