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An Unrepresented Woman’s Endometriosis Case Against the State Clears Major, Unprecedented Legal Hurdle

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In April 2022, while working as a Juvenile Court Counselor Trainee for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Christian Worley requested a workplace accommodation for severe endometriosis. Her request was ignored, and she was later threatened with termination for raising the issue again. A supervisor admitted in writing that he denied the request because he would have to offer the same to “every woman in the office.”

After being unable to find legal representation due to skepticism about endometriosis qualifying as a disability under the ADA, she represented herself in a lawsuit alleging disability discrimination and failure to accommodate. Despite having no formal legal training at the time, she conducted depositions, drafted legal documents, and reviewed evidence herself.

Now a law student, Worley has successfully survived summary judgment. The court has recognized that endometriosis can qualify as a disability under federal law, and six of her seven claims are proceeding to trial after three years of litigation. Her case is helping push the legal system to take women’s pain seriously. This is the first time a federal judge in North Carolina has ruled that endometriosis can be an ADA disability, and the first time in the country where a plaintiff has been allowed to proceed.

Sources:
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/endometriosis-lawsuit-nc-disability-ruling-period-pain-pms/83-a9dd9f55-397b-40e5-b84c-29e588d0d474

https://www.wral.com/story/nc-woman-s-fight-with-the-state-over-menstrual-pain-could-help-others-disability-advocates-say/22105428/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7358123289619177473-HSN-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACNqco8BG7RV5nFVE4OxVqybuillo9cCSk4

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