Shefa Wellness Center to Pay $37,000 to Settle EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination Suit

Company Violated Law by Firing Pregnant Employee, Federal Agency Charged

ATLANTA - CFS Health Management Inc., dba Shefa Wellness Center, a Canton, Ga.,  medical practice specializing in cosmetic skin care treatments, will pay $37,000 to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today. 

EEOC charged that April Raines, who was employed by Shefa Wellness Center as a skin care specialist, was fired just two days after informing the company's owner of her pregnancy. The agency alleged that when Raines questioned why she was terminated, the employer told her that she had deceived the company by not disclosing her pregnancy during the interview. 

Such alleged conduct violates the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), which prohibits employers from subjecting women to discrimination due to pregnancy. EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Case No. 1:15-cv-00845) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. 

"Firing a woman simply because she is pregnant is simply against the law," said Robert K. Dawkins, regional attorney of EEOC's Atlanta District.  "EEOC will stand up for the rights of women to enjoy their rights to livelihood and motherhood - and not have to choose between them."

The consent decree settling the suit, in addition to the monetary relief, includes provisions for equal employment opportunity training and reporting and posting of anti-discrimination notices. In the lawsuit and consent decree, CFS Health Management, Inc. denied any liability or wrongdoing.

EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.