This is a new Protected Characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Historically, discrimination on the basis of pregnancy & maternity has been prohibited by the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 in relation to employment and the provision of goods, facilities and services.

However, these provisions are now contained within the Equality Act 2010 which now imposes a duty on all public bodies to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity with regard to all the protected characteristics.

(Blackpool Council, 2024)