Previously, we said that an employee’s pregnancy out of wedlock is not a ground for termination of employment.

But what if it is a teacher who gets pregnant out of wedlock? Can you suspend her employment because pregnancy out of wedlock is not a good example to the students?

The answer is still no.

Petra was an elementary school teacher in Bohol. She got pregnant by her boyfriend. The school suspended her indefinitely until she got married to her boyfriend. After the wedding, Petra did not go back to work.

The Supreme Court held that the suspension was illegal. It echoed previous court rulings in stating that public morality differs from religious morality. Getting pregnant out of wedlock is not immoral. Hence, it cannot be the basis of disciplinary action or employment termination.

Call us if you have the same or a similar problem. We’d be glad to help.

Bohol Wisdom School v. Mabao. G.R. No. 252124, July 23, 2024.