Lawsuit Alleges Doctor Demanded Receptionist Get Abortion

Christina Garcia, an 18-year-old former receptionist for ID Doctors in Bedford, Texas, has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Texas state court.

Seven months into her employment, Garcia told Dr. Meenakshi Prabhakar that she was pregnant. Prabhakar, an infectious disease specialist, told her that the pregnancy was not a good image for the doctor. He then told Garcia that she would have to get an abortion to keep her job, and that he would pay for her abortion as well as college expenses and counseling if she started taking birth control pills.

Garcia refused to get an abortion and was fired four days later. After receiving a right to sue letter from the Texas Workforce Commission, Garcia filed suit demanding back pay, front pay, reinstatement of her job, attorney’s fees, and compensation for mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits firing employees on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions. Title VII also prohibits depriving individuals of any employment opportunities on account of pregnancy or related conditions. Similarly, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) outlaws harassment based on pregnancy or related medical conditions. FEHA also prohibits employers from refusing to allow pregnant women to take leave for a reasonable amount of time.

If you or anyone you know has been discriminated against on account of pregnancy or any related conditions, contact Khorrami, LLP for a confidential consultation.