At long last, mothers can feed their babies in public without fear of legal repercussions — and it’s about time! Women and their infants can celebrate this overdue change: breastfeeding in public is now officially legal in every state. While this should have been established a long time ago (or never even questioned), we can at least appreciate the progress made.
What This Means for Mothers
So, what does this mean for mothers? It means you can ensure your little one is well-fed in any public setting you choose. However, it’s important to note that most states allow breastfeeding without the necessity of covering up, which can be cumbersome for both mom and baby—except in Utah, where some conservative lawmakers still impose restrictions.
The Legal Landscape
For many years, public breastfeeding had been legal in the majority of states, thanks in part to a federal law enacted in 1999 that permitted women to breastfeed openly on federal property and within federal buildings. Nevertheless, a few states lagged behind: Idaho lacked a specific law protecting breastfeeding mothers, and Utah grappled with the issue of modesty, often reflecting deeper societal issues regarding women’s rights.
Advocacy and Change
Utah Representative Mark Thompson emerged as a champion for nursing mothers, sponsoring the Breastfeeding Protection Act this year. “A mother should never be confined to a restroom to feed her child,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to normalize breastfeeding in public. Right on!
Some opponents of the bill, like Rep. Joe Richards, expressed discomfort at the idea of women displaying their bodies in public. “But doesn’t this mean they don’t have to cover up?” he questioned. “[I’m] not comfortable with that at all.” Perhaps someone should have reminded him that breastfeeding is not about him, and that breasts exist for the purpose of nourishing infants.
Though the Utah law passed overwhelmingly, the final version lacked provisions that would allow uncovered breastfeeding. Meanwhile, in Idaho, Rep. Sarah Johnson — a father himself — led a unanimous initiative to protect nursing mothers from obscenity and indecent exposure laws, arguing that legislative action should promote the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
Normalizing Breastfeeding
While these developments are certainly positive, it would also be beneficial for all men, not just fathers, to recognize that breastfeeding in public is 1) completely normal and 2) none of their business.
The journey to normalize breastfeeding is far from over. Just recently, two mothers were approached by police while nursing at a public pool, despite the law safeguarding them. Furthermore, even with the new laws in place, women can still face arrest for exposing themselves while breastfeeding in Utah.
How to Combat Stigma
So how can we combat this stigma? Start by breastfeeding in public with confidence (if you do so), and support fellow moms who are doing the same. Participating in nurse-ins and reaching out to your representatives regarding breastfeeding rights are also effective ways to advocate. It’s a natural and essential act, and it’s here to stay.
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In summary, public breastfeeding is now legal in all 50 states, marking a significant victory for mothers. While there are still challenges to overcome, this change encourages a healthier environment for nursing mothers, fostering normalization and acceptance.