The average person looks for any excuse they can to get out of jury duty. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't. However, this mother is gaining a lot of attention online because it seems like she may actually have a valid excuse for not going. See how the public reacts to this mom who uses breastfeeding as an excuse to get out of jury duty.
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Breastfeeding Mom Claims She Can't Go To Jury Duty
Kandace Brown has decided to go public with her issues because she feels that things need to change. The mother was summoned for jury duty and tried explaining to the judge that it would not be possible for her. That is because her 3-month-old daughter is exclusively breast fed. Therefore Brown cannot be away from her for more than a few hours.
When speaking with WTVM she said, "I cannot leave her. She's exclusively breastfed; she cannot eat without me. She would literally go hungry in school, like, I've tried a bottle. She would not take one." While many may find this to be an acceptable excuse for missing jury duty, it did not turn out to be so simple. Brown was not excused.
When that was not deemed an acceptable excuse, this mother decided to do the next best thing...she brought her baby to jury duty. Hey a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do right? This breastfeeding mom brought her child with her, and both had to wait several hours. Well, it turns out the court wasn't happy with that option either.
Judge Threatens Mom
When sitting with the group of jurors, Brown admitted she was surprised by the judge's statement. One of the judges stated, "I hear there are children here." She continued, "I can't see them. But I hear that children are here. The mothers that have children here. You need to make accommodations for your children to be picked up."
As if that statement wasn't bold enough then the judge continued. "We would hate for DHR to be involved." In Brown's defense, what is she to do? This breastfeeding mom has already tried to explain she cannot be apart from her child that long. When that was unacceptable she said, fine I will go to jury duty but my baby needs to come too. Now she is being told neither option works. Not only that, but she was threatened with DHR.
A Temporary Solution
Eventually Brown was excused, however just for the day. It did little to put her mind at ease. For what would happen the next day? She still faced the same predicament. Brown shared her feelings on the matter. "I was horrified. I'm like, if I get called back and I'm still breastfeeding and I bring her, could they really call DHR on me and try to take my baby screaming from me in my arms?"
It definitely does sound like a nightmare situation to be in. After sharing her dilemma on social media, Brown gained a lot of support. Many moms claimed to have faced similar situations. Finally, Brown addressed all those who think that the mom is just using breastfeeding to get out of jury duty. She said, "I will serve on jury duty when I'm not breastfeeding. I will absolutely go and serve. I'm not trying to get out of that. I just need accommodations while I'm still breastfeeding my baby."
