Better World

Moms Take Action to Protect Pregnant Riders on Chicago Public Transit

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Moms across Chicago are organizing to distribute “Baby on Board” buttons to pregnant public transportation passengers to encourage fellow riders to offer up their seats. Months ago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced a program to do just that. Frustrated by the CTA’s lack of action, parents are tired of waiting. 

According to Good Morning America, The Mom Project, a local company which connects working moms to employers, is funding and organizing an initiative to distribute the buttons. 

“As a working woman, you have so many stressors,” Megan Nufer, a local mom who’s been promoting the project told the Chicago Tribune. “Going to work shouldn’t be one.”

“Our sincere hope is that this is coming very soon,” said Colleen Curtis, the company’s head of marketing and community. “We also know there are a lot of pregnant women commuting now and this is an immediate need.”

The London public transit system inspired the idea for the program. There, badges have been available for pregnant riders for many years. The point is to ensure they have a place to sit on their commutes. 

Moms and other supporters plan to continue distributing their “Baby on Board” buttons until the CTA fulfills their promise to create their own program.

Mckenna Saady is a staff writer and digital content lead for ParentsTogether. Before working for nonprofits such as the Human Rights Campaign and United Way, Mckenna spent nearly a decade as a child care provider and Pre-K teacher. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Philadelphia and writes poetry, fiction, and children’s literature in her spare time.