Editor's Note: the case involving breastfeeding mom Siri Wright has been
dismissed as of this writing. Below is a synopsis of the case, which drew
worldwide attention via email in a matter of days. This is grassroots
activism at its best. Congratulations to all those who helped Siri stand up
for the right to breastfeed her child for as long as she knows is
appropriate. Consider letting your thoughts on this subject be known via
the avenues listed below.
Siri Wright, mother of two ages 4 and 2, was assigned a trial date because
she is still breastfeeding her daughter. She was summoned for jury duty,
but Idaho law dismisses mothers of duty if they are nursing a child. Siri
called to arrange dismissal and through a course of events that you can
read in more detail at http://www.leftgrlls.com/supportsiri/ was given four
months to end her nursing relationship. She explained that this was not
possible and then was given two days notice to serve jury duty.
Siri has no family in state, no childcare options, and her husband works
far from home; so to comply with the notice, she appeared in court with her
children. A tirade ensued by one of the court officials and Siri was
notified of a coming trial date to settle the issue.
-Alyssa
====
I can't thank you enough for all your supportive emails. The response has
been overwhelming. Our story was featured on two local newscasts that we
hope will spread our story even farther. My attorney has set up a web page
where you can access the latest information on my case:
http://www.seinigerlaw.com/wright
The site also contains a forum where you can post your messages to me. It
would be better to contact us through this forum rather than direct email.
The volume of mail has been overwhelming, and I can't even begin to respond
individually. Also, our attorney would like a record of every response, and
this forum is the best way to do that. Even if you've already emailed me,
it would be great if you could post what you sent on the forum.
http://www.seiningerlaw.com/forum
-Siri Wright
Other actions that would continue to be helpful are:
*Letters to the editor of our local paper, The Idaho Statesman. Letters
should be up to 200 words in length.
Email: editorial@boise.gannett.com
Fax (208) 377-6449
Postal mail: Box 40
Boise ID 83707 USA
Please sign your letter and include your mailing address and a daytime
telephone number.
*Contact the governor or First Lady. Governor Kempthorne's pet program is
"The Generation of the Child." He has promised to make life for Idaho's
children better than ever. Please include the words "Generation of the
Child" in the subject line of your email, as this will encourage his
attention more than anything else.
http://www.state.id.us/gov/correspondence.htm
email: governor@gov.state.id.us>
postal mail: Office of the Governor, 700 W. Jefferson, 2nd Flr. PO Box
83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0034 USA
Fax 208-334-2175
Patricia Kempthorne's email: 1stlady@gov.state.id.us
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 9 March 3, 2000)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today
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