Disability-rights advocates are suing the state of Florida over a new law that lets pregnant women use handicapped parking spots, arguing it violates federal protections.
Passed unanimously by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June, the law created an “expectant mother parking permit.” For $15, women can obtain a one-year placard at any stage of pregnancy with a doctor’s note.
St. Johns County made the permits available in July.
A federal lawsuit filed Oct. 27 in the Northern District of Florida alleges the program violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws.
The complaint was filed on behalf of handicapped Leon County resident Olivia Keller, who says she already struggled to find van-accessible parking before prior to the new law.
Opening the spots to pregnant women, the suit argues, has only worsened her predicament and impedes her ability to get to work, medical appointments and other important destinations.
Attorney Matthew Dietz, who filed the suit, contends the law reduces accessibility for people with disabilities.
The law was initially sponsored by Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland, who said she hatched the idea while nine months pregnant and having to trek across vast parking lots.
Keller has countered that pregnancy and disability are distinct conditions, and said the hampered access could imperil people with mobility issues and other maladies.
McFarland defended the law, saying it was only intended to help pregnant women, not impinge upon the rights of people with disabilities.
