Handicapped Parking ... for Pregnant Women?

on April 28, 2010 at 9:00 PM

handicapped parking sign
Flickr photo by thousandshipzI tune out the same subway announcement every day, but for some reason, today I actually heard it: "If you see a pregnant woman or disabled person, give them your seat. You'll be taking a stand for what's right."

My third trimester was no cake-walk. My feet were swollen, my back hurt, I was out of breath all the time ... but I wasn't disabled, thank you very much Mr. Subway Announcer Guy. I know you're just trying to be nice, but still.

I agree that mass transit riders should give pregnant women their seats ... to be nice. The fact he mentioned disabled person and pregnant woman in the same breath irked me.

And this also irked me: Legislators in Oklahoma recently passed a bill that will allow pregnant women to obtain a temporary handicapped parking placard for handicapped parking spaces.

It all came to be thanks to a woman, seven and a half months along with twins, who complained she had so many physical challenges, like trouble walking and lack of sleep, that she couldn't even go to the grocery store anymore.

Under the bill, pregnant women could, with a doctor's note, routinely apply for a temporary handicapped parking pass. In some cases, this might be totally legit and warranted.

But pregnant women don't need a law for such accommodations. If I were pregnant and really unable to walk, I could ask my doctor for a note right now, apply for a sticker, and probably get one.

What doctor or midwife do you know who wouldn't honor such a simple request from a patient under this new law? Almost every pregnant woman who walks into her doctor's office will likely get a placard.

In addition to fueling the stigma that pregnancy is a disability (isn't that so 1950s ago?), I'm concerned about what a law like this, if it ever spread nationally, would mean for truly handicapped people. Nothing irritates me more that going to the store and seeing someone nab a blue spot and stroll inside swifter than a toddler. Either they're not handicapped or they're "borrowing" a family member's sticker to get a primo spot. Grr, I can't tell you how hard I have to restrain myself from keying their car.

My father is one of those people who legitimately needs and uses a handicapped spot, and he always has difficulty due to a shortage of spots. Open this option up to pregnant women, and my dad might as well never leave the house.

Should there be a law allowing pregnant women to obtain handicapped parking stickers?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: 3rd trimester, in the news, the pregnant life

Comments (8)

Nonmember comment from Amy Armstrong

on Apr 29, 2010 at 7:09 PM

I just gave birth to twins and the last 2 months took a huge toll on my body. I only gained 30 lbs, am in perfect health and shape, but walking become almost impossible. I have a 4 year old with multiple disabilities so it became necessary not only for her safety but my physical needs as well. I had always intended to get a placard and plates because of 4's health and physical issues but it was such a heartache to admit we needed the help. Pregnancy is not a disability however it can CAUSE disabilities even though temporary. Time to be kind to each other instead of judging.

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ProudMami2008

on May 20, 2010 at 10:56 AM

Amy, I seriously do not think she was judging anyone. She made the point that if somone REALLY needed it, then that is different. But I agree with her that every pregnant woman is going to want a handicap sticker just so that they don't have to walk as much. But then what happens to the REAL handicapped people when all these pregnant women who can clearly walk just fine are taking their spots?

Nonmember comment from krista

on May 21, 2010 at 11:49 PM

i live on a military base and we have special parking for expectant mothers, in the parking lots it goes handicap handicap handicap expectant mother expectant mother expectant mother then the rest are normal and its like this in all the rows close to the doors. i think more stores should have it. when you are pregnant sometimes the reason you are stopping is just to pee and its like "hey i have to pee" and then a minute later "i have to pee NOW" and parking far away... "i just peed on myself."

Nonmember comment from la

on Aug 18, 2010 at 3:02 PM

Pregnancies with (#1) high risk medical complications OR (#2) have high risk of going into premature labor should definitely get handicap parking! Its not about the pregnant person - its about baby's safety!!! A little back pain, nausea, fatigue, etc is NOTHING to complain about, and certainly does NOT justify a special parking spot! Just keep faith that doctors issue parking permits only when absolutely necessary, and that people dont abuse stork parking. P.S. Im expecting spontaneous triplets:) stork parking is super helpful. Its very scary/difficult to walk 1,000 feet in a dangerous, busy parking lot with my running 14 month old when I can barely bend over my triplet belly to pick her up. P.S.S. Shortage of handicap parking spaces is a completely seperate issue.

Nonmember comment from Jennifer

on Aug 30, 2011 at 8:57 PM

Well, Cynthia, I could be wrong, but I'm guessing you've never been pregnant. A person doesn't need to be 'unable to walk' to deserve assistance. Normal, healthy pregnant women are frequently in pain or exhausted or terribly sick or rendered temporarily unable to catch breath due to (normal) Braxton Hicks contractions which can last 30 seconds at a time. Blood volume increases by 50%, and the cardiovascular demand, especially in the heat, makes pregnant women suceptible to fainting if they stand too long on a bad day. Add to that a shifted center of balance and loosening ligaments which cause joints- in the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles, to become unstable, and the fall risk alone is worth this small human kindness. Really, Cynthia. Shame on you.

Nonmember comment from jade

on Nov 1, 2011 at 12:35 PM

Face it.. walmart for example, has more handicap spots than regular spots. How many disabled people REALLY go to walmart all at the same time and take up those spots? I'm pregnant and have a three year old and yes. I'm fully capable of walking, but it hurts. Its uncomfortable, he'll, I don't even like shopping period. I think that law is great and wish it would be a national law. Third trimesters no joke, and women should be able to get that least bit of "luxury" when everything else is shitty.

Nonmember comment from melissa

on Dec 10, 2011 at 6:21 PM

I'm also not sure how long you spend sitting in parking lots watching people who exit a car with a handicap placard. How for you know who is disabled and who isn't? A person with a heart condition can get a placard but may "stroll swiftly into the store" while you watch. A wheelchair isn't the only indicator of a "handicapped" person. I don't mind at all a woman who is heavily pregnant using a closer parking spot to do her errands. I'd suggest that others stop being so judgmental about something as effing petty as parking spots. God, is that all you have to worry about?

n2froggie

on Jan 26, 2012 at 1:22 PM

I am one of those people that you wouldn't guess as disabled. You cannot see that I have a pacemaker defibulator under my shirt. You cannot see that the cold air or hot air/humidty makes my heart work harder. So ya that disabled parking placard is mine. 2 weeks on life support and being left with a crap load of scar tissue on my heart gave me the right.