WIBTA if I reported a family friend who outed my pregnancy to her place of work?
Medical privacy is one of the most sacred rights a patient has. When someone betrays that trust, it can have serious consequences—sometimes even life-threatening ones.
OP, who recently found out she was unexpectedly pregnant, visited an OB clinic only to discover that her mother’s friend worked at the front desk. Before OP could even process the news herself, this woman texted OP’s mother, completely violating her privacy. Now OP is wondering: Would reporting her be justified, or is it too extreme?
‘WIBTA if I reported a family friend who outed my pregnancy to her place of work?’
Expert Analysis
This is not just a betrayal—it’s a serious medical privacy violation.
1. The Legal Violation (HIPAA & Patient Confidentiality)
In the U.S., the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) strictly protects patient confidentiality, meaning medical staff cannot disclose any health-related information without permission. Breaking this law can lead to termination, fines, and even legal action.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, violating HIPAA can result in penalties ranging from $100 to $50,000 per incident. OP’s situation is exactly the type of breach HIPAA is designed to prevent.
2. The Emotional & Ethical Impact
Beyond the legal aspect, this robbed OP of her right to share her pregnancy on her own terms. Dr. Andrea Bonior, a clinical psychologist, explains: “Having control over personal news, especially regarding pregnancy, is crucial for emotional well-being. When that control is taken away, it can cause lasting stress and resentment.”
Additionally, not every pregnancy is celebrated—many people face complicated circumstances, unsupportive families, or life-altering decisions. If this woman felt comfortable sharing OP’s pregnancy, how many other patients has she betrayed?
What Should OP Do?
- Report her to the clinic immediately. This is a clear violation of medical ethics and possibly the law.
- Consider filing a formal complaint with HIPAA regulators (if in the U.S.). This ensures proper investigation and prevents further harm to other patients.
- Do not let guilt stop you. Her actions could have put someone in danger in a different situation.
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
OP’s privacy was blatantly violated, and this is not just a minor slip-up—it’s a breach of medical ethics and potentially the law. Reporting this isn’t being “petty”; it’s about ensuring that this woman doesn’t do the same to another patient who might be in a much more dangerous situation.
What do you think? Should OP report her, or is there another way to handle this? Let us know below!