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Planned Parenthood, the leading provider of reproductive services in the U.S., is accused of “ousting” and “handicapping” pregnant employees, The New York Times reports. Current and former employees in four states—including California, Texas, North Carolina, and New York—reportedly recounted how the company ignored the medical welfare of pregnant employees and considered the likelihood of pregnancy while making employment decisions. Ta’Lisa Hairston told the Times her medically necessary breaks where brushed off by management while she was pregnant, which caused her hands and feet to swell. When Hairston gave birth early, Planned Parenthood reportedly pushed her to come back to work early. She resigned shortly after. A former hiring manager for a California clinic also told the newspaper that she would “openly” discuss the chances of pregnancy amongst job applicants with other supervisors, and would deny pregnant or new mothers promotions. She claimed that the clinic “couldn’t afford to promote someone only to lose them for several weeks.”
Planned Parenthood President Leana Wen told the Times that the company would investigate the claims. “I believe we must do better than we are now,” said Wen. “It’s our obligation to do better, for our staff, for their families and for our patients.”