I've Changed My Mind
by Kate Kahn - 25th September 2007
We've changed my mind. Several weeks ago, maybe months, I blogged on the story of Sophie Currier. She’s the Massachusetts woman who asked the National Board of Medical Examiners for extra break time during her medical certification exam so that she could pump breast milk (on top of the 45 minutes that the exam allows for). It should be noted that because Ms. Currier has dyslexia and ADHD the board already told her she can have two days to take the exam instead of the normal one. At first I thought the board should be flexible on this issue of pumping but, after further reflection and reading so much about this (and there’s been no shortage of stories as Ms. Currier exhausted all legal avenues), I finally came to the conclusion that it would set a dangerous precedent if the board relented. Afterall, if they make an exception for Ms. Currier, what’s next? Who’s next?
Well, the Board said no. Ms. Currier took it further. Last week a Superior Court rejected Currier’s request. But that didn’t stop Ms. Currier. And now, an Appeals court has ruled in her favor. The judge wrote that Ms. Currier needs the extra time to put her on “equal footing” with the men and non-lactating women who are also taking the exam. The judge claims that the board’s rules would put Ms. Currier in the position of having to forgo bodily functions in favor or pumping or risk pain and infection if she didn’t pump.
Yesterday The Boston Herald had a survey going on its website. It was pretty much a landslide. The results ran heavily in favor of the Board’s decision not to grant Ms. Currier extra break time. The comments from readers had some very valid points (Ms. Currier could pump ahead of time being one). Today, readers are already weighing in with more comments (some are doctors themselves!). Check it out: The Boston Herald
I invite you to go to our forum and tell us how you feel. Personally, I think the judge has set the bar way low and, in doing so, has compromised the Board of Medical Examiners.
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