Family status discrimination is discrimination that occurs on the basis of family obligations or even for having a family in the first place. For instance, if an employer refuses to hire an individual solely because that individual has children, that is considered to be family status discrimination. Family status means that an individual is responsible for caring for an immediate family member. Family status discrimination particularly affects women who are most often the ones who are in charge of the care of young children. However family status discrimination can also protect individuals who are the primary caretakers of other members of their immediate families, such as parents, or siblings. It is considered unlawful for any person or organization to discriminate against an individual based on his or her family status. Dismissing an employee who cannot work overtime because of responsibility for the care of young children may be considered to be family status discrimination.