Pregnant ANZ worker disciplined over pelvic exam

ANZ threatened to discipline a heavily-pregnant employee because she would not undergo an internal pelvic exam by a gynaecologist appointed by the bank.

Katherine Bashour went on early maternity leave last month because of pregnancy-related medical complications, which she documented in medical reports and blood test results provided to her employer, Fairfax Media reports.

But ANZ still insisted one of its doctors examine her. When she refused, the company told Ms Bashour, an ANZ employee of five years, it was taking disciplinary action against her.

She went to the Federal Circuit Court yesterday seeking an urgent injunction to stop the bank firing her.

"I need some comfort ... some protection so I can see out my maternity in peace," Ms Bashour, who is due to give birth in four weeks, told the court.

"This has been posing a risk to my health and my child."

Ms Bashour said the bank was trying to punish her for lodging discrimination complaints and a separate court action against ANZ related to being overlooked for a promotion and denying her more flexible working arrangements.

Lawyers for ANZ told the court the disciplinary process was ongoing and was "not at the point where the employee is going to be terminated".