Washington D.C. – Officials here are reviewing a policy that requires all female applicants desiring to be emergency medical workers or firefighters to take pregnancy tests. The review is a result of allegations from a 21-year-old rookie who claims she was told to have an abortion or lose her job. Two other workers have come forward and stated that they had abortions because of similar statements.
According to the Washington Post, the department’s fire chief has been sending letters to female applicants explaining that they must have a pregnancy test and that any job offers would be held in abeyance if they tested positive. The rookie that most recently filed a complaint alleges that the interim chief of operations for EMS suggested that the rookie have an abortion because she would not be able to take medical leave for her pregnancy.
An investigation is ongoing.
