pregnancy and travel

[Bonham, Peta]

I agree with you that it is nobody's business but yours and your doctor's 
(maybe your husband also!!!) whether you are going to have a baby but I also 
wonder if you have thought about what would happen if you went into labour 
with complications during the flight. Many babies are born early - I had two 
both early and one with complications.  The airline would not be responsible 
for the outcome of your labour - if you are willing to go with that then I 
was under the impression that if you had a letter from your doctor then the 
airline will let you fly. Remember, airlines can refuse to take anybody they 
so wish
Peta Bonham-Smith
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From: nishir at ohsu.edu
Subject: pregnancy and travel
Date: 12 Jan 94 00:17:33 GMT
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Hi.

This group has been so quiet, I thought I'd post something that may seem
trivial to you, but is non-trivial to me.  I am a woman scientist on an NIH
study section and I am planning to travel to a study section meeting early in
February when I will be 8 mos pregnant.  Many have been astounded that I plan
to do so (including my husband).  My doctor says that it's OK as long as I
come
in for a check up to make sure I'm not dilating.  I have been told by several
women that the airlines will not allow me on the plane (because I might give
birth on the plane).  I thought that this was archaic practice no longer
true. 
But is this the case?  Can an airline refuse to let me on just because I look
large and pregnant?  Isn't this discrimination?  I actually feel fine and am
very energetic and mobile.  I certainly would not be traveling if I or my
doctor thought that birth was imminent.  I don't think its anybody's business
other than my doctor's and mine to determine whether I'm about to have a baby
or not.  What is your recent experience out there regarding traveling by air
when pregnant?

Rae Nishi
OHSU
Portland OR