https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:31:46 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764274 Mon, 06 May 2013 18:02:39 +0000 LindsayInNY 764274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@deerylou: I would definitely mention that when you go! Tell them you've reported before so you don't mind doing it but if they suggest postponing it, tell them your concerns when it comes to caring for and feeding your daughter. If you get someone nice and sympathetic, they might let you off :) Also, in some states, merely showing up fulfills your jury duty obligation. From CA: "Typically if you are not chosen for jury selection after one day at the courthouse then your service is done for at least one year." You can probably defer without showing up but if you show up and they dismiss you then you're good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764268 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:57:12 +0000 deerylou 764268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNYC: By that point, I'll probably be unable to leave my daughter, since I'm going to be the one home with her, and breastfeeding. I'll do what I can to perform my civil duty, but hopefully, pregnancy and early parenting will be enough to defer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764265 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:55:25 +0000 LindsayInNY 764265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@deerylou: I don't blame you!! I think you can definitely get out of it for now. It's possible they may make you come back and serve after you've given birth though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764257 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:51:22 +0000 deerylou 764257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNYC: Oh, I totally don't mind serving under normal circumstances. I've reported in the past, without complaint. I just don't want to serve while this far along in my pregnancy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764255 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:51:00 +0000 StbHisMrs 764255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was summoned while I was pregnant and on modified bedrest, my Dr. sent in a note and they excused it. I'm in Oregon, so it may be different, but you did the right thing by emailing your OB. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764248 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:48:05 +0000 LindsayInNY 764248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@deerylou: I'm fairly certain you could get it postponed but I doubt they would excuse you entirely. The Court would look at it like you have one year to serve - you'll only be pregnant for another five weeks or so, so you have 45ish weeks still available to serve. However, if you were to postpone and then return the second time you could ask for an excuse then if you're breastfeeding. But, it also says if you're breastfeeding, they'll give you a year postponement. So I wonder if they would postpone it for a second year? Jury duty isn't all that bad, I promise! :) I'm an attorney and I've been selected before for 2 weeks (less common). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764240 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:44:06 +0000 deerylou 764240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNYC: Thank you for the information. Most of this was on my summons, but I'm not sure whether I should ask to be postponed, or excused entirely, and which would be most successful. </p> <p>If I postpone, I can only do so for up to three months - by that time, I will be exclusively breastfeeding, and on maternity leave, as baby's primary caregiver. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764238 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:42:42 +0000 mrsbabycakes 764238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got summoned at a little over 38 weeks pregnant! I actually just deferred my date for 3 months later in June (which is good because I ended up going into labor the day after ha!), but I know that you should easily be able to get out of it with a Dr's signature. I'm in San Bernardino County, so I'm not sure if its the same throughout the state or not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764233 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:39:43 +0000 LindsayInNY 764233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's some info:</p> <p>What if I care for a child or an adult? - <a href="http://www.courts.ca.gov/3953.htm#care" rel="nofollow">http://www.courts.ca.gov/3953.htm#care</a><br /> If you have a child or an adult under your care, you may ask for a postponement or excuse from jury service. Read your summons carefully or contact your local jury office. If you are the mother who is breastfeeding a child, you may request a postponement for up to one year by filling out the summons response form.</p> <p>Also: <a href="http://www.courts.ca.gov/jurybasics.htm#tab7751" rel="nofollow">http://www.courts.ca.gov/jurybasics.htm#tab7751</a> AND <a href="http://www.courts.ca.gov/3954.htm#eligible" rel="nofollow">http://www.courts.ca.gov/3954.htm#eligible</a> (under excuse/exemption) OR <a href="http://www.courts.ca.gov/3954.htm#postponement" rel="nofollow">http://www.courts.ca.gov/3954.htm#postponement</a> (postponement) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/jury-duty-when-pregnant-specifically-in-ca#post-764226 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:35:51 +0000 deerylou 764226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just got the dreaded summons, and need to report to jury duty in a few weeks, at 35 weeks pregnant. I am not especially comfortable potentially serving that close to my due date, and am already experiencing aches and pains when sitting for long periods of time, due to terrible sciatica. I have already had to alter some of my conditions in the workplace to remain comfortable, so I can't imagine hours in those horrific, wooden chairs.</p> <p>I do have an email into my OB, asking for a note that would help to get my duty either postponed or excused. Has anyone been successful in doing so, while heavily pregnant? I'm in California, if that makes a difference.</p> <p>Thanks! </p>