BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Breastfeeding women in Alabama will be excused from jury duty, the state’s highest court ordered unanimously on Friday, in response to public outcry from a mother who said that she was threatened with child protective services for bringing her nursing infant into court.

A big win for nursing mothers trying to be excused from jury duty in Alabama courtrooms.The Alabama Supreme Court issued an administrative order Jan. 17 regarding procedures in excusing prospective jurors from service.

Alabama mothers react to supreme court ruling excusing breastfeeding mothers from jury duty

Part of the order read, ‘A nursing mother of an infant child clearly qualifies for the excuse from jury service." It goes on to say “other competent evidence” from a prospective juror seeking to be excused must be submitted telephone, electronic mail, or writing in advance of the prospective juror’s summoned date."

Before Friday’s decision, there were laws in Alabama excusing prospective jurors because of certain health concerns, but breastfeeding wasn’t included.

A mother shouldn’t be relying on a subjective, sympathetic judge to determine whether she can feed her baby or not,” Rep. Susan DuBose said.

Sorrell said Alabama currently has no law exempting nursing mothers from jury duty. Alabama House Representative Susan Dubose said after hearing Brown’s story she plans to file a bill regarding this at the 2025 Legislative Session.

Kandace Brown, a mother of five, faced a challenging situation when she was summoned for jury duty while exclusively brea

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