Nicole LaPoint v. Family Orthodontics, P. A.

**LaPoint v. Family Orthodontics: Pregnancy Discrimination in Hiring** Nicole LaPoint was offered a job at Family Orthodontics but had the offer taken away after the employer learned she was pregnant. The dental practice specifically told her they were rescinding the job offer because she hadn't disclosed her pregnancy during the hiring process and because of how much maternity leave she wanted to take. LaPoint sued for pregnancy discrimination, but the lower court ruled against her. However, the appeals court reversed this decision, finding that Family Orthodontics had clearly discriminated against her based on her pregnancy. The court said LaPoint had directly proven discrimination because the employer explicitly stated her pregnancy and desired maternity leave were the reasons for pulling the job offer. **What this means for workers:** This ruling reinforces that employers cannot rescind job offers simply because someone is pregnant or wants maternity leave. You are not required to disclose pregnancy during job interviews, and employers cannot punish you for being pregnant or needing time off for childbirth. If an employer explicitly states pregnancy as a reason for employment decisions, that's direct evidence of illegal discrimination that courts will recognize and act upon.