Buzz
The standing pregnant subway commuter presents a social conundrum: do you offer your seat to her as a kind gesture, or stay out of it, fearing she might not be pregnant and would feel embarrassed if you assumed she was?
In New York City, the MTA has introduced 'Baby on Board' buttons for pregnant individuals who want others to know they could use a break from standing. There's also a 'Please offer me a seat' button for seniors, those with disabilities, or anyone who struggles to stand on public transit and could benefit from a seat. You can request a button here—no doctor’s note needed, it operates on the honor system.
So, here's the question: would you wear one? If someone offers you a seat, great. But considering how women’s pregnancies are sometimes treated as public property, I wonder if wearing a 'baby on board' badge might spark unwanted attention.
What if someone thinks you're pretending? If you're in your first trimester and not showing but feeling incredibly nauseous, you might want to sit down. If you're plus-sized, your bump might not be visible. Will people ignore you while you glare at them? Will they ask you to prove you're pregnant, like a man did in London a few years ago? And what about those with invisible disabilities—will they face similar challenges with the 'Please offer me a seat' button?
It feels like navigating a tricky situation. But honestly, by the end of my pregnancies, I struggled with standing and walking, and I probably would have opted for a button. I think. Maybe. What about you?
