Pregnancy discrimination is a form of gender discrimination that is unlawful under federal law (the Pregnancy Discrimination Act) and Illinois law (the Illinois Human Rights Act). Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer terminates or takes other adverse job action against an employee because of her gender/pregnancy. Pregnancy discrimination also includes refusing to hire or retain pregnant women, or requiring pregnant women to take forced leaves of absence when they are willing and able to work. Pregnancy discrimination may also occur when an employer terminates a non-pregnant employee because of her known intention to become pregnant in the future, or because she is trying to become pregnant.