{
  "id": 15249422,
  "title": "Being pregnant can still cost women their jobs in Australia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/being-pregnant-can-still-cost-women-their-jobs-in-australia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-18/pregnancy-discrimination-costs-women-their-jobs-in-australia/107081688"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Australia's employment landscape still presents challenges for pregnant women, as more than 100 women have shared their experiences of losing their jobs after becoming pregnant or having a child. These cases span across well-known companies and the public sector, suggesting that the issue extends beyond isolated incidents. Employers often employ subtle tactics to push mothers out of the workforce, creating an unwritten playbook of discrimination.\n\nAbby McCawley, a rental property manager at Ray White Brunswick in Melbourne, faced such a situation. After sharing her pregnancy news, she requested remote work to manage morning sickness, which was denied. When the office implemented a new policy requiring notice for remote work, Abby was terminated just before a company restructure. She claims the termination was due to discrimination, but her case is ongoing in the Federal Court.\n\nExperts like Susan Price from the Working Women's Centre NSW have observed a shift in attitude towards pregnant employees, leading to criticism of their performance once they announce their pregnancy. This shift seems to justify termination, even if there were no prior issues. Casual workers, in particular, are vulnerable to pregnancy discrimination, as seen in the case of factory worker Challis. Despite doctors clearing her for her duties, NewCold insisted on medical certificates and reduced her hours, eventually removing her from the roster altogether. Casual workers are protected under anti-discrimination law, but NewCold is denying any wrongdoing, citing ongoing legal action.",
  "summary": "Four Corners has uncovered the tactics used to push mothers out of the workforce, revealing an unwritten playbook used by companies.",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 100 Australian women lost jobs after pregnancy or childbirth.",
    "Employers use subtle tactics to push mothers out of workforce.",
    "Casual workers vulnerable to pregnancy discrimination."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "The WNBA is shattering records. Is women’s sport in Australia falling behind?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/the-wnba-is-shattering-records-is-womens-sport-in-australia-falling",
        "published": "2026-10-17T18:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "The WNBA is shattering records. Is women’s sport in Australia falling behind?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/the-wnba-is-shattering-records-is-womens-sport-in-australia-falling-15252879",
        "published": "2026-10-17T18:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}