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Bill Would Grant Parking Perks For Pregnant Women

NEW YORK (AP/1010 WINS) -- A New York City councilman is introducing a bill that would grant special parking rights to women who are having a difficult pregnancy.

Councilman David Greenfield of Brooklyn says that if his bill passes, pregnant women could ask their doctors to sign a note saying they have physical or mobility challenges.

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1010 WINS' Kathleen Maloney gets reaction from women about the bill

If their doctors sign off, the women would get placards entitling them to park in no-parking zones.

Kelly, who was walking along Seventh Avenue on Sunday, supports the bill.

"I think that would be really nice. I think it would be really helpful, especially at the end stages of pregnancy. That would have helped me a lot," she said.

Greenfield decided to introduce the bill after watching his wife struggle through two tough pregnancies. It's similar to laws on the books in at least two states, Georgia and Oklahoma.

Some critics warned that the bill could further complicate the city's mess of parking laws.

Others think that it's unnecessary.

"If you're disabled, fine. If you have a reason, but being pregnant is not a disability," said Jennifer, who has been pregnant twice.

Susan and Nicholas, who have one child, said the benefits of walking far outweigh the benefits of having special parking.

"If it's a high risk pregnancy and you can get your doctor to write you a note. Otherwise it's healthy for a woman to do some walking while she's pregnant," Susan said.

Do you think Councilman Greenfield's bill is a good idea?  Sound Off below...

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(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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