Got that Jury Duty notice in the mail? Well if you’re a nursing mother you may soon be excused from that duty under a newly proposed bill in New Jersey.
Legislation introduced by Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Tim Eustace to exempt prospective jurors who are nursing a child from jury duty got the green light from an Assembly panel today.
The bill (A-2162) would amend the law on jury service to include breastfeeding mothers among those not required to serve.
“As a mother, I know that the time period during which mothers nurse their children can be fundamental for bonding and development,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Women who choose to breastfeed should not be forced to disrupt their child’s feeding routine within that first year. This legislation will give nursing mothers a time-limited exemption to accommodate their needs and the needs of their children.”
“The common thread that links many of those who may be exempt from jury duty – volunteer firefighters, members of rescue squads, teachers – is that they play an essential role in the lives of those around them,” said Eustace (D-Bergen/Passaic). “It’s time to support New Jersey’s youngest residents by adding their moms to that list.”
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and postpartum depression, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Fifteen states and Puerto Rico exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty or allow jury service to be postponed.
The bill was released by the Assembly Women and Children Committee. [TLS]
another good reason to nurse your kids (besides keeping your kids healthy)
Shortly after my first child was born I got a jury duty notice. I called the number on my summons and told them I have a newborn and don’t have babysitting arrangements. The women said “congratulations, we’ll call you again in 18 years.” I wonder of I was just lucky or the policy changed. But I always thought being a mom of children was enough of an exemption. BTW, my son is over 18 and I haven’t heard from them yet…
I am so sick of this . all of the complaining that woman don’t get equal treatment and equal pat but then they want special treatment for other things… everyone is equal in this world men women blacks whites catholics jews . no one should get special treatment
To # 3, everyone DOES get the same treatment. If you will be nursing a child, you too will be exempt from Jury Duty.