People have been left divided after a pregnant woman shared the moment she didn’t get a seat on a busy train.
Mona M. Ali is 35 and lives in Stockholm, Sweden. At 25 weeks pregnant, she stepped onto a crowded train of the Stockholm Metro where she was stunned that nobody offered her a seat, despite signs in the carriage asking passengers to offer seats to pregnant women.
In a video on TikTok, Ali shared the moment that has now gained more than 1.9 million views and sparking debate.
“I was honestly quite surprised that no one reacted. My belly was clearly visible and right in front of him,” Ali told Newsweek, referring to one man seated in a priority seat. “The people around noticed me but didn’t say or do anything.”
While Ali doesn’t believe the inaction was malicious, she believes it is indicative of a growing lack of empathy in society. “I see it often, especially with older people standing near priority seats while young, healthy individuals are glued to their phones, completely unaware of their surroundings,” she said.
@mona.mali/TikTok
Initially, Ali recorded the moment to show her husband, but she later decided to share it online to highlight the issue.
“We’ve noticed this problem often, and it’s shocking how many people occupy priority seats without considering others who need them more,” Ali said. “I hoped to encourage people to be more aware and considerate.”
In the comments on TikTok, people were quick to react to Ali’s frustration. While some defended her, others argued she shouldn’t get a seat.
“After working 12 hours on my feet, I’m not getting up for anybody. I make sure not to sit in priority seats and that’s it,” said commenter Gigi G. While viewer Kenna simply said: “But no one owes you anything, we’re all tired too.”
Others were quick to come to Ali’s defense. Viewer PeanutButterandJelly wrote: “‘no one owes you anything’ they’re sitting in the priority seating FOR pregnant people, why are people acting like you asked them for gold.”
“Why is society becoming so selfish. No one does anything just out of kindness anymore?” said ArualdC.
Despite such a mixed response, Ali said that she hopes her experience will inspire people to think differently next time they take public transport.
“Some blamed me for being on public transport at all, or said pregnancy is my problem alone. These comments miss the bigger picture. The issue isn’t just about pregnancy—it’s about kindness and being aware of others around you,” she said. “I want people to be more considerate and offer their seat to someone who truly needs it. A small act of kindness can make a big difference.”
