Comments on: Dilemma of the Month: When a Personal Matter Gets Professional

By: Anon

Anon — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 18:28:53 +0000

I wouldn’t say why either. It really isn’t his business and unfortunately he or others may harass you for an abortion. If you are experiencing any stress or bereavement related to the termination exhale offers unbiased and supportive post-abortion counseling http://www.4exhale.org/ other resources and support can be found here- http://endingawantedpregnancy.com/
So sorry for your loss.

By: Elizabeth West

Elizabeth West — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 14:12:31 +0000

I wouldn’t say why either. It’s really nobody’s business. Just tell the boss you’ve been dealing with some medical problems and you’ll do your best to keep the appointments as non-disruptive as possible.

By: Laura K.

Laura K. — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 01:15:14 +0000

In reply to David. Such great advice. I especially love this: "The less rational and compassionate your boss is, the more you need to get legal protection by filling out the paperwork." David your comment = my thoughts exactly. Unreal!

By: Camellia

Camellia — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 17:45:57 +0000

In reply to JIll.

I wouldn’t even use the phrase “serous medical issue”; I think it makes people think of worse case scenarios such as cancer. I would just keep it simple with Evil’s scripted answer of “I’ve been ill…”

By: David

David — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 17:03:10 +0000

I love the irony of disclosing your private medical condition as a preventative measure to avoid getting fired for the same private medical condition. HR is intriguing and complex sometimes. Great advice!

By: grannybunny

grannybunny — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:33:38 +0000

In reply to JIll. I'm with you. I would not disclose to an employer that I had terminated a pregnancy unless I knew for sure that the disclosure would not engender some type of emotional, negative, reaction.

By: JIll

JIll — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 15:13:27 +0000

I would definitely keep it vague and just refer to it as a “serous medical issue.” Pregnancy termination is such a controversial topic – many people oppose it even to protect the health/life of the mother. You don’t need that kind of judgment – especially at work. Your boss probably just wants reassurance that doctor visits won’t negatively impact your work so you might also want a plan in place for how you will try to ensure that work still flows smoothly. Best wishes to you in your recovery!

By: Evil HR Lady

Evil HR Lady — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 15:05:33 +0000

In reply to Anonymous. Thanks. Fixed!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 15:04:03 +0000

The link doesn’t seem to be working