This is such crap. Handicap parking already abused and taken advantage of by people who think those spots "are never filled."

To use it as a marketing ploy? That's just twisted.

You completely misread the original post, l00ser :). The chain was ADDING spots for expectant mothers, not using handicapped spots.

I suspect this was a store like Target that caters to mothers who need supplies (they even have baby registries). Good marketing I say, more power to them. From 6 to 9 months can be pretty difficult for some women, especially in a place like Target or Costco with huge parking lots.

Not quite true, but in a roundabout way. Almost every mall or store is on private property, and they have the right to tow your car as they see fit - just as you have the right to tow someone who parks in your driveway. I can't think of a store in their right mind who would tow you for parking in an expectant mother spot, but they could definitely "legally" stop you if they want, and force you off their property.

I don't know about actual car parking spots, but what about other things? e.g. I think if you see an expectant mother on a full bus, you should give up a seat for her.

I would, in a heartbeat. In fact, I would give up my seat to a lady who <i>isn't</i> expecting.

But - I would do it because <i>I want to</i>, not because someone put up a sign saying <i>I had to</i>.

Here in Florida, where the senior population is out of control, we have more handicapped spaces than regular, just about.
One of the grocery stores put in the expectant mother spaces, beyond the many, many handicapped spaces--we're talking the middle of the parking lot now--and wouldn't you know it? The cottontops started raising a fuss about it!
Apparently, they want the whole parking lot painted blue.