FAR ROCKAWAY — Two elected officials introduced a bill this week to make it easier for women with difficult pregnancies to find a place to park.
City Councilmen David Greenfield and Donovan Richards — whose wife is expecting their first child — introduced a bill Tuesday to provide a special parking permit for women experiencing a difficult or complicated pregnancy that impairs their mobility.
"Women in this situation deserve the courtesy of a permit allowing them to park closer to their destination, as long as they are medically qualified," said Richards.
"As my wife and I prepare for the arrival of our son, I recognize all too well the importance of ensuring our families are not forced to choose between work, lifestyle and pregnancy," he added.
The permit would make it easier for pregnant women to park closer to their destination — opening up standing-only spots and those prohibited by a sign or rule, he said.
Currently, the DOT issues parking permits to people with medically-certified disabilities including legal blindness, limited mobility and a physical or mental disability that makes the use of public transportation difficult, according to its website.
This is the second time that Greenfield has introduced the bill, after an earlier version fell flat in 2011, when critics including the National Organization for Women said it stigmatized pregnant women.
But Greenfield said it's just meant to help them.
"This law gives common courtesy to expectant mothers by making their lives a little bit easier while they are commuting to work, shopping or visiting their doctor," Greenfield said.
