Nursing Mom Asks Court for More Time To Pump

Sophie Currier is trying to complete her Harvard medical degree, but she needs more break time during her final testing to pump breast milk for her infant daughter. When the National Board of Medical Examiners said no, she headed for MA Superior Court.

Ms. Currier, who holds a doctorate in neuroscience from Harvard, tried to complete her final exams in April while she was eight months pregnant. She failed the test by a few points, and is trying again on Sept. 15 to pass the clinical exam so she can accept a residency in clinical pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Ms. Currier is permitted one 45-minute break during the 9 hour testing period. She has already been given an extra day to take the normal one day test to accommodate her dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, she is asking for two 60-minute breaks in order to pump milk for her 4-month old daughter, in addition to going to the restroom, eating, and getting something to drink. The National Board of Medical Examiners has denied her request. Now, Ms. Currier is asking the Massachusetts Superior Court to grant her request for extra break time, in addition to providing a private place to pump with a power outlet for her electric breast pump. She states that the extra time is necessary for her to "avoid painful breast engorgement and mastitis, an infection stemming from blocked milk ducts." Some see the court's ruling as important for all women who wish to nurse their babies after returning to work or school. The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly encouraged breastfeeding for the best development of new babies. At the same time, there is a growing number of women entering the medical field, which has a long and very demanding program. Dr. Alison Stuebe, a physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, said,

If Ms. Currier is forced to delay taking the exam, “it will cause her significant hardship” by delaying her ability to earn a living and to begin repaying school loans, and possibly leading to the loss of clinical knowledge and skills, Dr. Stuebe said.