Hemorrhoid pain can be a disability, EEOC argues to court

Hemorrhoid pain can be a disability, EEOC argues to court In an amicus brief filed Wednesday, the agency supported a FedEx worker’s appeal, arguing pain can amount to a substantial limitation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Published Sept. 11, 2026 Emilie Shumway's headshot Emilie Shumway Editor https://www.hrdive.com/news/eeoc-amicus-brief-hemorrhoids-disability/830201/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--8QiFysvkrQcWhHKwnacDzSw1XzcoLWiRgC06JXgA6Iq35v6RfDUXpLnm-CCZmZguSUsomKBCfQ8PBsk-CPtuKDNmVZQ&_hsmi=439080835&utm_content=439080835&utm_source=hs_email HR Dive: Hemorrhoid Pain Can Be A Disability, EEOC Argues To Court At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of “disability” under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which defines a person with a disability as someone who “has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” According to court documents, the worker in Butler v. FedEx Supply Chain Inc. had a hemorrhoids condition that, when he experienced a flareup, caused pain and bleeding during bowel movements, as well as pain when sitting, walking and standing. The pain “was far from trivial,” EEOC noted, requiring him to use a special pillow to sit and sometimes even be on bed rest. (9/11)