We can all agree that one of the most common pet peeves of human beings living in civilized societies is cutting in line at public places, such as the a grocery store, amusement park, post office, or the airport to name a few places. How would you feel if cutting in line is permissible by law to certain individuals?
In Israel, a law has been passed to allow certain individuals from “cutting in line” in public places to receive services. Pregnant women are among those individuals who can benefit from this law but they have to show proof that they are pregnant, preferably via a medical document.
It is explained that the reason for this law is based on empathy and respect. Pregnant women can experience multiple symptoms, such as light headedness, dizziness, nausea, urgency to urinate which can be exacerbated especially if standing in a line for long a long period of time. Therefore, by allowing pregnant women to move up in line these adverse situations can be decreased or avoided.
In many cases pregnant women would have to wait for several minutes to hours and these conditions can be more severe depending on several factors, such as whether. Pregnant women can also be carrying items which could pose discomfort and in some cases risk if heavy or if carried for a long duration. Therefore, for all these reasons, it only makes sense to show these individuals some empathy by allowing them to move up in line in order to receive their public services faster. Many pregnant women appreciate this law and have shared their experiences of gratitude when members of society show empathy towards them by offering small acts of service, such as holding the door or assisting in carrying heavy items.
It is assumed that many would not mind a pregnant woman cutting in line, especially if she appears to be late in her pregnancy; however, how would the public feel about a woman early in her pregnancy taking advantage of this law?
There are many factors to consider and like in everything else, there is always room for abuse of in a law; thus the question remains of how would Americans respond to this law should it be enforced in the United States and whether it will it become in affect in the United States soon? Some may also argue that others should also qualify for this law, such as individuals with certain illnesses, disabilities, or even the elderly? There are many aspects to consider in this law but at the end of the day the intention is to ease the discomfort of pregnant women and assisting them by moving up in line to avoid complications.
