Are We Still Policing Women's Bodies? The Shocking Reality Inside the Modern Workplace

We've all been there—the unsolicited comments, the nosy questions, that awkward moment in the break room when someone's eyes linger a little too long on your midsection. But what if it goes even further?

Last week, the internet collectively gasped at a story making the rounds: A woman’s coworker straight-up rubbed her belly, assuming she was pregnant. Not only did this cross the line (seriously, hands off!), but it also reignited a conversation that's way overdue in 2025: Why do we still feel entitled to comment on, speculate about, or touch anyone’s body—especially when it comes to fertility?

The Story That Hit a Nerve

If you missed it, here’s the quick recap: A woman’s coworker saw her, made an assumption about her body, and without asking reached out to rub her belly, convinced she was pregnant. The woman, understandably, was not having it and clapped back in a legendary way. The comment section exploded with support and stories—turns out, her experience was way too relatable.

But it got me thinking: Why are people still making these assumptions in the workplace, especially now, when tech and social norms have made fertility journeys so much more nuanced and private?

The Invisible Journeys We Never See

Here’s the thing. Today, the path to pregnancy looks wildly different for everyone. Some couples are quietly navigating IVF. Others are using donor sperm, surrogates, or starting their journey solo with at-home insemination kits. For many, it’s not just about biology—it’s emotional, financial, even logistical.

Yet, old-school stereotypes persist. If you’re a woman (or read as female) of “a certain age,” people assume you’re either pregnant, planning to be, or fielding endless questions about why you’re not. (Raise your hand if you’ve heard, “So, when are you having kids?” at a work event. Yeah. Me too.)

But what folks forget is:

Not every belly is a baby belly.
Not every pregnancy story is visible, easy, or straightforward.
And most importantly, nobody owes anyone an explanation about their body, fertility, or family plans.

Why These Assumptions Hurt More Than You Think

It’s not just cringey—it can be deeply painful. Imagine you’re in the midst of fertility treatments, miscarriages, or have chosen not to have kids at all. A well-meaning comment (or, yikes, an actual belly rub!) can bring up waves of grief, frustration, or just plain annoyance.

In 2025, we have tech to make almost anything easier—why are our social skills still lagging so far behind?

What If Empathy Was as Common as At-Home Fertility Tech?

Let me tell you a secret: privacy has never been more possible in the world of conception. You might not realize it, but you probably know someone quietly using tech to take control of their fertility journey.

For example, companies like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits (shout out to their discreet packaging and 67% success rate!) mean that families are being built outside clinics and outside public view. Their kits—CryoBaby, Impregnator, BabyMaker—are designed for real-life needs like low motility sperm, sensitivities, or the storage of frozen samples. All shipped quietly, with nobody the wiser.

You’d never know who’s using them. And that’s the point! Tech like this empowers people to try, to hope, to struggle or succeed—in their own time, on their own terms.

That’s why it’s so important to drop the assumptions. You never know what someone’s going through (or not going through), and advancements in fertility tech are making everyone’s path more unique and private than ever.

How to Be a Better Coworker (or Friend, or Family Member) in 2025

Let’s set a new standard:

Don’t touch people’s bodies. Ever.
Stop making assumptions about anyone’s reproductive plans.
If someone shares, listen. If they’re quiet, respect that.
Be aware: Technology means anyone could be on a fertility journey—publicly or privately.

And if you’re the one navigating fertility (secretly or not):

Know that you can take control—in the workplace and at home.
You deserve privacy. You deserve empathy.
There are subtle, robust resources waiting for you (like at-home insemination made simple and private), no awkward office convos required.

The Bottom Line—And a Challenge

What happened in that viral story wasn’t just a cringe-worthy moment—it’s a wake-up call. Let’s leave behind those “so last decade” pregnancy comments and build a culture where privacy, empathy, and tech go hand-in-hand. Because the real revolution in fertility isn’t just the gadgets or the data—it’s how we treat each other on this deeply personal journey.

How have you dealt with unwanted comments or assumptions about your fertility? What would workplace empathy look like to you? Sound off in the comments—let’s break the cycle, one story at a time!