Breastfeeding Policies During the Bar Exam by State

The ACLU and Law Students for Reproductive Justice conducted a survey to determine what policies and practices are in place states across the country for accommodating those who are breastfeeding during the bar exams.

The report card findings highlight the widespread barriers that women face in pursuit of their legal careers. State boards must acknowledge that their outdated policies contribute to this problem and must take an active role in eliminating these barriers. Women should not be forced to make a decision between their families and their careers.

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California

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

Alaska

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations. Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, and permission to bring pumping equipment. 
Additional break time not provided.

Arkansas

C

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Website doesn't mention nonstandard accommodations. Phone conversation indicated that individuals seeking accommodation should make the request at the time the application for the Bar Exam is submitted with any documentation available to them.

Arizona

D

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Alabama

F

No "special accommodations" for breastfeeding examinees. 
Additional break time not provided.
No private location to pump.
No permission to bring pumping equipment to test.

Colorado

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump with an electrical outlet, permission to bring pumping equipment, and seating near the lactation room.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Applicants in need of accommodations should complete the "Courtesy Accommodations for Health-Related Conditions" form available on the Board of Law Examiners website and should contact Susan Gleeson, Director of Examinations, regarding the request at 303-928-7770.
*The Colorado board revised its policies and procedures and updated its website and materials in response to this campaign.

Connecticut

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants requesting permission to bring an assistive device, such as a lactation pump, into the examination room should make a written request to the Committee on NST Form 8: Administrative Accommodation Request and include supporting medical documentation. Such applicants do not need to complete a petition for test accommodations. Form does not address additional break time, private room, etc.

Delaware

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants must complete the "Request for Administrative Accommodations" form for permission to access a lactation pump during the exam.
* The Delaware board revised its policies and procedures and updated its website and materials in response to this campaign.

Florida

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations. 
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants must submit a Notice of Medical Alert or Condition Requiring Special Seating or Assistive Devices listing the accommodations requested. Except in extraordinary circumstances, requests for lactation-related accommodations must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the first day of the bar examination.

Georgia

B

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Breastfeeding examinees must fill out an "administrative accommodation" form for permission to bring in a pump (not the "ADA Testing accommodation" form).

Hawaii

A

The Hawaii Board of Bar Examiners allows accommodations to breastfeeding examinees upon request. Possible accommodations – similar to those accommodations made available to jurors and Judiciary employees who are breastfeeding – include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, female proctors, and additional break time. The Hawaii Board of Bar Examiners is currently examining its policies and procedures, as well as the information contained on public websites, to ensure that examinees are informed about available accommodations.

Iowa

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump and permission to bring pumping equipment.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Requests for additional break time are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
*The Iowa board revised its policies and procedures and updated its website and materials in response to this campaign.

Idaho

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include: Permission to bring a breast pump and accompanying equipment, storage containers, and a cooler if necessary, a private location for expressing milk (other than a bathroom), with an electrical outlet, exam room seating that affords the swiftest possible route between the test room and the lactation area during breaks, and additional off-the clock break time if existing breaks are insufficiently frequent for an individual’s circumstances.
Except in extraordinary circumstances or due to a recently emergent event, requests for lactation-related accommodations must be received at least four (4) weeks prior to the first day of the bar examination.
*The Idaho board adopted these policies and procedures and updated its website and materials in response to this campaign.

Illinois

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

Indiana

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: The Indiana Board has provided breaks and private rooms when requested.

Kansas

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Currently breastfeeding accommodations are treated like ADA accommodations, however the Board is working on making a form for nondisability accomodations, as well as updating their website to address these policy changes.

Kentucky

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed

Louisiana

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Adopted policy on courtesy arrangements allowing lactation pump, however other accommodattions appear to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Massachusetts

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants who need accommodations for breastfeeding should complete the "Request for Special Arrangments for a Health-Related Condition" form available on the Board's website.
*The Massachusetts board has revised its policies and procedures and updated its website and materials in response to this campaign.

Maryland

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: breastfeeding accommodation is treated like ADA accommodation

Maine

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Requests can be sent in writing (by letter, email, etc.)
*The Maine board has agreed to raise the ACLU and LSRJ policy recommendations at its next board meeting.

Michigan

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump and permission to bring pumping equipment Additional break time may be provided on a case-by-case basis.

*The Michigan board reviewed its policies and procedures in response to this campaign and has updated its website and materials to reflect our recommendations.

Minnesota

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private or semi-private location to pump, and permission to bring pumping equipment Requests for additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Requests for accommodation should be submitted in writing to the Director stating the type of accommodations requested.
*The Minnesota board has reviewed its policies and procedures and adopted the ACLU and LSRJ's proposals in response to this campaign.

Mississippi

C

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Missouri

D

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Website instructs that applicants who need access to medical devices in the examination room should submit a Notice of Medical Alert instead of ADA forms. Notice doesn't require physician signature or medical documentation. Applicants who need other accommodations should submit them in writing, but do not need to fill out ADA forms.

Montana

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Nebraska

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Nevada

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

New Hampshire

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Website suggested applicants must fill out ADA forms, but phone conversation indicated that medical documentation would not be required, The New Hampshire Board has agreed to review its policies in response to this campaign.

New Jersey

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Available accommodations include permission to bring pumping equipment and a semi-private room along with a proctored non-testing room for pumping and a refrigerator or space to store a cooler.
It is unclear whether additional break time is available.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants wishing for private room must fill out ADA application form

New Mexico

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Board has previously granted accommodations related to breastfeeding as a "courtesy" accommodation
*The New Mexico board has changed its policies and procedures and updated its website and materials in response to this campaign.

New York

B

Exampinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include permission to bring pump and equipment. (No other accommodations listed)

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Website includes form to request permission to bring lactation pump if request is submitted by the first day of the month of the scheduled exam.

North Carolina

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants must complete two forms readily available on Board's website: "Petition for Administrative Non-Standard Testing Accommodations for Applicants Breastfeeding at Time of Examination" and "Breastfeeding Verification Form" The North Carolina Board revised its policies and procedures in response to this campaign.

North Dakota

C

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Requests for additional break time would be unlikely to be granted

Ohio

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Phone conversation indicated that in order to get the necessary paperwork to request a breastfeeding accommodation (an adminstrative request), an applicant must send in a letter requesting the forms from the board; applicants can disregard the forms online, which are ADA specific.
*The Ohio board has committed to conduct a review of its policies and procedures, and to raise the ACLU and LSRJ recommendations at its next meeting.

Oklahoma

C

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Volunteers were unable to locate procedures and forms for non-standard testing accommodations on website.

Oregon

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: There is no mention of accommodations on bar exam webpage; examinees must go to "Forms Library" on Oregon State Bar website to find information.
*The Oregon board is in the process of reviewing its policies and procedures in response to this campaign; an announcement is expected soon.

Pennsylvania

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES : Phone conversation indicated that In order to get the necessary paperwork to request a breastfeeding accommodation (an administrative request), an applicant must send in a letter requesting the forms from the board and that women can disregard the forms online because those are only ADA specific.

Rhode Island

D

*The Rhode Island board has committed to review its policies and procedures in response to this campaign.

South Carolina

Insufficient Information to Complete Grading

Sufficient information to complete grading not provided.

South Dakota

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants must submit a request for accommodations in writing, provide medical documentation verifying breast feeding, and list the accommodations requested. Except in extraordinary circumstances, requests for lactation-related accommodations must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the first day of the bar examination.

Tennessee

C

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants must fill out full ADA form and submit documentation

Texas

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

*The Texas board has reviewed its policies and procedures and updated its website in response to this campaign.

Utah

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, and permission to bring pumping equipment Additional break time not provided.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants seeking permission to bring breast pumping equipment should fill out Notice of Medical Alert form. *The Utah board has committed to review its policies, procedures, and materials in response to this campaign.

Vermont

B

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
*The Vermont board has committed to review its policies, procedures, and materials in response to this campaign.

Virginia

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, and permission to bring pumping equipment Additional break time not provided.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants seeking accommodations related to breastfeeding should submit Medical Accommodations Request Form (located under "Miscellaneous" link on the website); a lactation pump is listed on the form as an example of an item that could be requested that is not on the "allowed" list.

Washington State

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: New mother's room available onsite. Applicants seeking accommodations related to breastfeeding may make a note in the online account under “special requests” when applying to take the bar exam to indicate that they are breastfeeding and make any requests for specific accommodations. Applicants must submit requests for additional items that she needs to take into the exam room, or requests use of the nursing mother room online at least 18 days in advance of the bar exam and be supported with a doctor's statement (if applicable).

West Virginia

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump and permission to bring pumping equipment Requests for additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

*The West Virginia board has reviewed its policies and procedures and adopted the ACLU and LSRJ's proposals in response to this campaign.

Wyoming

A

Examinees who are breastfeeding are eligible to seek accommodations.
Possible accommodations include a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time as needed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants seeking an accommodation related to breastfeeding may submit a letter instead of filling out ADA forms and include a doctor's note (not required but likely to be requested). Doctor’s notes typically include information on the diagnosis, current level of "impairment," and the type of accommodations needed.

Wisconsin

C

Requests for breastfeeding accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Requests for specific accommodations including a private location to pump, permission to bring pumping equipment, and additional break time are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Applicants seeking accommodations related to breastfeeding may submit a letter instead of filling out ADA forms.

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