Miami

Pregnant Woman Not Allowed to Board Disney Cruise Ship

Emily Jackson and her family arrived in Miami last week after her doctor had cleared her to vacation aboard Disney Magic. But the line does not allow women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant to sail out of safety concerns

What to Know

  • Emily Jackson and her family arrived in Miami last week after her doctor had cleared her to vacation aboard Disney Magic
  • But the line does not allow women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant to sail out of safety concerns, and a doctor's note is not accepted

Disney Cruise Lines prevented a Missouri woman from boarding one of its ships because she was 25 weeks pregnant.

Emily Jackson and her family arrived in Miami last week after her doctor had cleared her to vacation aboard Disney Magic.

Jackson said in a video posted on social media that while filling out check-in paperwork, crew members inquired about her baby bump.  That's when, according to Jackson, she learned of the cruise line's policy that does not allow women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant sail out of safety concerns, and a doctor's note is not accepted.

"I felt so bad because I felt like it was my fault that everybody couldn’t go," said Jackson, who missed the cut off by one week.

When Jackson’s father complained and raised his voice, a police officer armed with an AR-15 escorted the family from check-in. 

According to the expecting mother, Jackson and her family were forced to stand outside in the heat for nearly two hours while they waited for their bags, which were already on the ship.

Jackson said: "We had a terrible Disney experience."

Disney offered the family a refund for the cruise, but she said it would not cover other vacation-related costs including plane tickets for the 10 family members. 

In a statement to the Miami Herald, the cruise line said its policy is on its website and in travel documents. The line said the Miami-Dade Police Department is responsible for security at the port and "handled the situation as they felt appropriate given the guest's actions."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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