Should Pregnancy Be Considered a Disability? One Law Professor Thinks So

Should the Americans with Disabilities Act be expanded to include pregnant women? Well, according to research presented at the American Association of Law Schools, the act should definitely include expecting moms. Jeannette Cox, an associate professor of law at the University of Dayton and an employment discrimination expert believes that the ADA protects people with minor or temporary physical limitations that are similar to pregnancy’s physical effects. Cox believes that most people see pregnancy is a physically healthy condition and pregnant women lose their jobs because of their physical limitations even when a simple adjustment could have been made in the workplace. The ADA does not require employers to make changes for pregnant women because it is considered that all symptoms are part of a normal pregnancy.

Some ADA protections that moms-to-be are missing out on? Shortness of breath and fatigue while walking, jobs requiring extensive physical labor like bending, reaching, walking or driving and working under conditions like extreme heat. Cox argues that pregnant workers have fewer rights when it comes to workplace accommodations than people with health problems with similar symptoms. Makes sense to us.

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-- Sarah Yang

See More: 3rd Trimester , 2nd Trimester , Mommy Life