An Act Concerning Breastfeeding In Public.
If passed, this bill would amend existing statutes regarding public decency laws to ensure that breastfeeding is legally protected in public spaces. This change would likely foster a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, encouraging them to nurse their infants openly without the stigma or concern of being viewed improperly. It acknowledges the necessity for public areas to be accommodating for breastfeeding, aligning with public health objectives that emphasize the benefits of breastfeeding for infant nutrition and maternal health.
House Bill 06077, titled 'An Act Concerning Breastfeeding in Public', was introduced by Representative Flexer during the January Session of 2011. The bill proposes an amendment to section 53a-186 of the general statutes to explicitly clarify that a woman breastfeeding an infant in a public place is not committing the crime of public indecency. This initiative aims to support and promote breastfeeding in public settings without the fear of legal repercussions. The measure reflects growing recognition of the importance of breastfeeding for the health of both infants and mothers.
While the bill outlines well-meaning intentions geared towards public health and the support of breastfeeding mothers, it could evoke debates surrounding public decency laws and societal norms. Supporters of the legislation are likely to argue for the right of women to feed their children in any setting, while opponents may raise concerns about potential breaches of public decency that they feel could arise from others' discomfort with public breastfeeding. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of the bill remains to ensure that mothers can provide for their infants without fear of legal repercussions.