Caring, Report on the Consultation on Discrimination on the Basis of Family Status (November 29, 2006) at page 10. V. Forms of Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding The C ode provides that every person has the right to be treated equally without discrimination because of pregnancy in the areas of employment; housing accommodation; services, goods and facilities; contracts; and professional and vocational associations. The purpose of anti-discrimination laws is to prevent the violation of human dignity and freedom through the imposition of disadvantage, stereotyping, or political or social prejudice. There are several ways of defining and identifying discrimination. Discrimination includes any distinction, including any exclusion, restriction or preference based on pregnancy, that results in the impairment of the recognition of human rights and fundamental freedoms. [17] The most important issue to determine is whether pregnancy was a factor in the discrimination. Even if pregnancy or being of child-bearing age is only one of the factors in a decision to restrict a woman's equal access to employment, housing or services, this may constitute a violation of the Code . [18] 1. Discrimination Based on Negative Attitudes and Stereotypes Discrimination can take many forms. It may be direct and intentional, where an individual or organization deliberately treats a woman differently because she is, was or may become pregnant. This type of discrimination usually arises from negative attitudes and biases, and is a common form of discrimination based on pregnancy. For example, a service provider may ask a breastfeeding mother to either