Woman sacked for refusing to abort her baby

A 22-year-old charity worker lost her job after she refused to abort her unborn baby, a court has heard.

C3600B

by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Teri Cumlin, from Glasgow, let her manager Mark Robertson know that she was pregnant - only to be told: ‘If you want a career then I’d advise you to terminate your baby.’

He also asked Cumlin, who already had an infant daughter, if she wanted to be the kind of person that had different babies by different fathers.

Teri was pressured to have an abortion - but she refused
Teri was pressured to have an abortion - but she refused

At the end of that particular shift at Engage Fundraising, Robson drove Ms Cumlin and another worker home, repeatedly saying that Teri’s life was now over.

On top of this turmoil, Teri was also told she was taking too many toilet breaks, not allowed to stand in the sun during a hot day and constantly berated for her pregnancy.

Robson also told the worker she could come in later than other colleagues, only to shout at her for being late when she did arrive.

Teri was demoted from Team Leader due to her pregnancy and eventually, two months before she gave birth, was dismissed under claims of misconduct.

The mum of two was awarded £12,000 at an employment tribunal, though Engage say they are planning to appeal this decision.

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