728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Breastfeeding Advocacy › Breastfeeding Moms and the Law

Breastfeeding Moms and the Law

What Are the Laws Regarding Breastfeeding?

By Virginia Gilbert

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Carolyn Maloney I wasn't being indiscreet," says Sheryl Letwat, referring to an incident at an Illinois restaurant. "I wasn't displaying myself for sexual purposes." On the contrary, Letwat was nursing her 5-week-old son when the restaurant manager told her some patrons were uncomfortable with her breastfeeding. The female manager then handed Letwat a towel and asked her to "cover up." Citing her constitutional right to breastfeed, Letwat refused to drape herself or to stop nursing. Although she stayed to finish her meal, she admits the event has discouraged her from returning to the restaurant or from recommending it to other breastfeeding moms. "Who needs the hassle?" she says.

The Feds Say
In September 1999, President Clinton signed into law the "Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act," which included legislative language by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) to make breastfeeding legal anywhere on federal property. "The last thing a mom needs is someone giving her a hard time about her decision to breastfeed her child or accusing her of violating arcane 'indecent exposure' laws," Maloney says. "The only thing indecent about breastfeeding is that some women have been harassed about it."

Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, Maloney introduced three other pro-breastfeeding bills that were referred to the Senate:

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act Amendment (H.R. 1478) -- Prevents nursing women in the workplace from being fired or otherwise discriminated against for expressing milk or breastfeeding during lunch or break time.

The Breastfeeding Promotion Employers' Tax Incentive Act (H.R. 1163) -- Gives tax credits to employers who install nursing mothers' stations at the workplace. Some companies, such as Hewlett-Packard and Kellogg's, have already put such rooms on site.


Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.