You won’t believe the lengths someone went to score extra time off work — and no, it’s not the plot of a daytime soap opera. Recently, a story made waves about an employee who faked a pregnancy to get three weeks of paid time off (PTO), even after using up their annual vacation allotment. Yes, she photoshopped a sonogram. Talk about commitment! You can check out the full jaw-dropping tale here and prepare to be astonished.

But beyond the initial shock and smirks, this story shines a spotlight on something far more profound — the very real and often unspoken struggles people face around fertility, work, and the desperate need for flexible time off.

Why would anyone fake pregnancy for PTO?

Let’s face it. Fertility journeys can be emotionally and physically draining. For many, planning for pregnancy isn’t as simple as