Some gynecologists in South Florida are confronting the obesity epidemic their own way: By refusing to treat even otherwise healthy patients who clock in above a certain weight. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel polled 105 OB/GYN practices, and found that 15 of them either set weight limits — starting at 200 pounds — or use other obesity tests to filter out would-be patients. Their reasons? They say exam tables can't handle heavy women and point out that obese patients run a higher risk of complications — raising the threat of malpractice lawsuits. Are these policies fair?
This should be illegal: "Turning someone away because their treatment could get tough sounds like a form of discrimination," says Anna North at Jezebel, "even if it's one that's not currently prohibited by law." Meanwhile, these women are not sick, just overweight. But if they can't find medical care, they may develop otherwise avoidable health problems.
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