Breastfeeding Moms May Be Excused from Jury Duty Under New Federal Bill

A new federal bill would allow breastfeeding moms to be excused from jury duty upon their request in federal courts, rather than requiring case-by-case approval. Breastfeeding includes both nursing and pumping, and most moms need to express milk every 2 to 4 hours to maintain supply. The bill recognizes that breastfeeding requires frequent, uninterrupted time that can be difficult to manage during jury duty.

What Is the Breastfeeding Jury Duty Bill?

The Jury Duty Exemption for Breastfeeding Act of 2026 (H.R. 7946) is a proposed federal law that would allow breastfeeding moms to request exemption from jury duty in federal and Washington, D.C. courts, rather than relying on case-by-case approval.

The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to address the challenges breastfeeding moms face when summoned for jury service.

“Requiring nursing parents to serve on jury duty can create an unnecessary barrier to breastfeeding and place added strain on families during a critical time for a child’s development. My bill would allow people who are breastfeeding to be excused from jury service so they’re not forced to choose between fulfilling a civic duty and caring for their child," said Rep. Norton. 

Why Breastfeeding and Jury Duty Don’t Always Work Together

Breastfeeding is time-sensitive and physically demanding. Most moms need to express milk every 2–4 hours to:

• Maintain milk supply
• Avoid discomfort or infection
• Prevent clogged ducts or mastitis

Jury duty often involves:

• Long periods without breaks
• Limited access to private lactation spaces
• Unpredictable schedules

For many moms, this creates a real conflict between caring for their baby and fulfilling civic obligations.

Breastfeeding (including pumping) requires consistent milk removal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moms should express milk as often as their baby feeds—typically every 2 to 4 hours—to maintain supply and avoid discomfort.

Why This Bill Matters for Breastfeeding Moms

This bill is important because it formally recognizes that:

• Breastfeeding includes both nursing and pumping
• Feeding schedules are not flexible
• Lack of accommodations can impact maternal and infant health

Instead of relying on inconsistent local policies, this law would create a clear, nationwide standard in federal courts.

As Rep. Norton explained, "The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, and individuals should not be deterred from breastfeeding by jury service."

Current Reality: Inconsistent Policies

Right now, whether a breastfeeding mom can be excused from jury duty depends on the court. Some courts allow deferrals or offer temporary exemptions, while others require documentation and do not clearly list breastfeeding as a valid reason. This inconsistency leaves many moms uncertain—and often stressed—when they receive a jury summons.

Real-Life Impact on Breastfeeding Moms

In real life, inconsistent jury duty policies have already created difficult situations for breastfeeding moms. There have been cases where moms were denied exemptions or pressured to attend jury duty despite actively nursing or pumping, leading to public backlash and calls for clearer protections.

In some instances, these situations have sparked broader conversations—and even policy changes—highlighting the need for consistent, nationwide guidelines that better support breastfeeding families. For example some state, including Alabama, have already ruled that moms can be excused from jury duty. 

What This Means for Breastfeeding Moms in Everyday Life

Policies like this reflect a larger reality: breastfeeding doesn’t pause for daily responsibilities.

Based on feedback from thousands of breastfeeding moms, one of the most common challenges is maintaining a consistent nursing or pumping schedule while navigating situations like work, travel, or time away from home.

Clothing can play a practical role in making this easier. Breastfeeding-friendly designs with discreet access allow moms to nurse or pump more comfortably in a wider range of settings.

A polished black nursing dress with a subtle gold zipper detail that blends seamlessly into the design—making it easy to nurse or pump discreetly while still looking put-together for work, events, or everyday life. Designed for both pregnancy and postpartum, it’s a style moms can reach for again and again.

The Bigger Picture

This bill is part of a broader shift toward supporting breastfeeding families in everyday life.

Recently the US House of Representatives also took up the issue of working to make sure breastfeeding moms had space available to nurse and pump in all VA facilities. 

This is part of the growing recognition that moms need:

• Workplace pumping protections
• Access to lactation spaces
• Policies that reflect the realities of feeding a baby

Extending that understanding to jury duty is a natural next step.

What Happens Next?

The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and will go through the standard legislative process, including committee review, votes in the US House and US Senate and would need the president's signature to become law. 

Until then, jury duty policies for breastfeeding moms will continue to vary by location.

FAQ: Breastfeeding and Jury Duty

Can breastfeeding moms be excused from jury duty?

Sometimes. Policies vary by court, and exemptions are not always guaranteed.

Does breastfeeding include pumping?

Yes. Breastfeeding includes both nursing and pumping, and many moms rely on both.

Why is jury duty difficult while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding requires nursing or pumping regularly. If moms have to go long periods without breaks or private space it can disrupt supply and cause discomfort.

Would this bill automatically excuse breastfeeding moms?

No. It would allow breastfeeding individuals to request to be excused—it is not automatic.

For many families, policies like this are less about convenience and more about recognizing the realities of early postpartum life and their breastfeeding journey.