Pregnancy Discrimination: TV Viewer Upset And Offended With Pregnant Reporter

pregnancy discrimination new zealand tv john rook jenny-may coffin Australia's Special Broadcasting Service Melissa Matheson facebook

By Daniel , Parent Herald Jan 20, 04:00 am

Many people are angry at the obvious pregnancy discrimination displayed when an upset television viewer sent a complaint letter to New Zealand's TV Guide about a pregnant TV reporter. The man wanted the pregnant reporter off the air because he found her pregnancy to be embarrassing and such an eyesore.

"I have no problem with seeing pregnant women in normal situations or places, but to have them remain on TV in a state which I feel is embarrassing and an eyesore? It's time to replace them," wrote 69-year-old and father of three John Rook about TVNZ sports reporter Jenny-May Coffin, pregnant with twins, as reported by Yahoo Parenting.

"Who is responsible for allowing a sports presenter in a very pregnant state to remain on screen," continued Rook. "So please, TVNZ, open your eyes and show some common sense."

Australia's Special Broadcasting Service writer Melissa Matheson shared her opinion on the controversial matter, "Pregnant women are not invalids. Yes, some have complicated pregnancies and need to take things easy. But that's not everyone," said Matheson. "And it's not your place, Guy Sitting On The Couch Watching Women Work And Complaining About It, to tell them what they can and can't do while they're growing a human being inside them."

"As a heavily pregnant woman, I struggle with my own demons about my body changing shape but I choose to stay in front of the camera to encourage others to be proud of the job that we are doing -- creating life," Coffin commented on the issue through her Facebook account.

The New Zealand Herald reports that Rook has already apologized for his complaint letter. "I shouldn't have said, 'It looks embarrassing, and it's an eyesore.' I wish her well," Rook told the New Zealand Herald.

According to studies, discrimination against pregnant women is prevalent nowadays. BBC recently reported about a study that shows an increase in the number of pregnant women being discriminated because of their pregnancy and consequently taking their maternity leave.