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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tim Solobay |
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Solobay’s bill to protect breastfeeding rights in the workplace moves forward
HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – Women in Pennsylvania who breastfeed their babies are one step closer to having that right protected in the workplace.
The House Children and Youth Committee today approved legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, that would protect the rights of nursing mothers in the workplace.
“Life is hectic and stressful enough for working mothers,” Solobay said. “This bill would at least remove one area of worry.”
House Bill 1073 would prevent employers from firing, withholding pay, demoting, refusing to hire or otherwise discriminating against a lactating woman should she breastfeed or express breast milk at the workplace. It would also bar any employer from banning an employee from expressing breast milk during any break period required by law.
“Breastfeeding offers the best nutrition to infants and the longer a mom can nurse her baby the better,” Solobay said. “This bill would ensure babies can continue receiving the nutritional and health benefits of breast milk even after their moms return to the workplace.”
Studies show encouraging and enabling mothers to breastfeed their children benefits children, mothers and society. An infant who is breastfed receives protection against infection, illness and allergies. Long-term positive effects on the development, intelligence and health of breastfed children have also been found. In addition, breastfeeding has been linked to a protective effect for mothers against various types of cancer, as well as to greater emotional and physical health.