SENATE STRENGTHENS PROTECTIONS FOR NURSING MOTHERS

Protects mothers’ rights and promotes proven methods for long-term health benefits

AUGUSTA–Today, in a 20-14 vote, the Senate voted to strengthen the protections for nursing mothers in the workplace.

“The law is not being adhered to,” said Senator Linda Valentino of Saco, the Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “We heard testimony from a woman who was forced to pump breast milk in a port-o-pottie, which is very unsanitary. This bill is about providing reasonable accommodations to give a nursing mother the privacy she needs in a clean area to express breast milk.”

The measure is supported by the Maine Human Rights commission, the Maine Women’s Lobby, the Maine Right to Life Committee, the March of Dimes, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine, and the ACLU of Maine, among others.

Studies show the benefits of breast milk include prevention of obesity, many acute and chronic illnesses, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, and allergies in children.

The bill, LD 777, “An Act to Protect Working Mothers Who Breast-feed,” will now be sent to the governor for his signature to become law.

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