A former Google employee has filed a lawsuit alleging pregnancy discrimination, claiming the company penalized her performance reviews and ultimately terminated her employment shortly after she disclosed a second pregnancy.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, details a series of events beginning in 2024. The plaintiff asserts that after undergoing an emergency pregnancy termination due to a serious genetic condition diagnosed in the fetus, she took sick leave followed by bereavement leave. Upon her return to work in September 2024, she received a low performance rating for the third quarter, despite having been on leave for a significant portion of that period.
The complaint further alleges that despite diligent work and completion of projects in the fourth quarter, the plaintiff received a similarly low overall performance rating for 2024. When she inquired about the assessment, her supervisor reportedly attributed the negative rating to “sluggish velocity” and “project delay” caused by her time off for medical procedures and bereavement, according to the lawsuit.
In February 2025, the plaintiff informed her supervisor of a second pregnancy. The following day, she was terminated from her position. The lawsuit contends that this timing suggests a direct link between the pregnancy announcement and her dismissal.
The allegations reach as Google faces increased scrutiny over its treatment of pregnant employees. Recent reports indicate a growing number of legal challenges concerning alleged discrimination against women in the tech industry. A separate lawsuit filed against Google alleges similar pregnancy discrimination, as reported by People Matters Global and hcamag.com.
The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages being sought. Google has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.