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.

Breastfeeding mothers will now be exempt from jury duty, according to an administrative order from the Alabama Supreme Court. This ruling follows an outcry from mothers in Jefferson County who had bad experiences when called on for 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."

Russell County appealed the decision to the Alabama Supreme Court. On Jan. 10, 2025, the Alabama Supreme Court held that Russell County was obligated to pay Phenix City the contested gasoline tax proceeds, Phenix City announced Friday. A news release from Phenix City says it is estimated Russell County will owe Phenix City nearly $2.5 million.

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