In a groundbreaking move, prosecutors in an eastern Chinese city have taken legal action against 16 companies that required female job applicants to undergo pregnancy tests before being hired. The Tongzhou district procuratorate in Nantong, Jiangsu province, launched an investigation after receiving a tip earlier this year, leading to a crackdown on this discriminatory practice. The companies involved, along with two hospitals and a physical exam center, were found to have conducted 168 pregnancy tests without proper consent.
Despite laws prohibiting such discrimination, many employers in China continue to infringe upon women’s rights by implementing unfair hiring practices. The government has been promoting pro-birth policies, yet the recent incident highlights the challenges faced by women in the workforce. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding gender equality in the workplace and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly.