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I Think My Boss Might Be Trying To Fire Me For Pregnancy Related Issues. How Do I Respond To This Email He Sent?

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Location: Wisconsin.

For some context, I'm a funeral director at a small family owned funeral home, less than 30 employees. I found out I was going to lose one of my twins in late October, and the grief was affecting my job performance. I discussed this with my boss and agreed that I should take unpaid leave. He has not reached out to me regarding coming back to work, but after I thought I was clear from the majority of further pregnancy complications and was doing better mentally, I emailed him to see if we can meet and discuss transitioning back to work. Then I was (and currently am) unexpectedly hospitalized for more complications.

Here is the email he sent me after I told him our meeting would have to wait:

"I am so sorry to hear you are currently in the hospital. I hope things go well for you during the hospitalization monitoring.

As you are able, please provide us with a brief note from your attending physician or provider confirming what your work restrictions have been and remain, and when they commenced. The note should state the length of time since the start date that you have been unable to perform the duties of your job due to the listed work restrictions. The note should also include the date your medical condition will be reevaluated.

The letter does not need to include a medical diagnosis or medical details.

Please provide this information within one week.

If you have any questions about what we are requesting, please let me know. Thank you."

Here is my current unsent response:

"Thank you for the well wishes, I'm doing well overall but baby might be deciding to arrive very very early, we will see. Things are looking better though.

As you know from our initial conversation, we discussed that I go on unpaid leave due to emotional distress and anticipatory grief stemming from pregnancy complications. Other than recovery from a related surgical procedure mid-December, that is the bulk of the reason I have been out.

I was finally able to get an appointment and just recently began working with a therapist after losing one of the babies, hence hoping to transition back to work with professional support. I believe you received a note verifying the pregnancy was being followed by my high risk specialist, are you also looking for something from my therapist regarding the emotional distress we discussed?

I'm still carrying both babies, and will have to deliver both. You should anticipate a phone call eventually for care of my deceased baby. I just wanted to mention that in case it happens soon.

Just let me know and I'll try to get it as soon as I'm able."

He is the type to try to fire me for being an inconvenience. I'm sure this isn't easy on his end too, but how do I best protect myself here? I'd prefer not to quit and come back as soon as I'm able.

Edit: I should mention I do not get insurance from my employer but through my husband's work, if that matters.

submitted by /u/annabear
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