Reasons Why a Womans Right to Breastfeed in Public Should Be Protected by Law

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In all but a few states, a woman’s right to breastfeed in public is protected by law, albeit the laws read differently in what they cover and their extent. Some like Florida give a woman the right to breastfeed in any place that she would normally have the right to be. This is very important for a multitude of reasons. The following are some reasons why a woman’s right to breastfeed in public should be protected by law.
It is important for the baby
It is extremely important that a baby be breastfed unless there is some significant reason why not (i.e. the mother has a disease that could be passed to the child). The reason for this is that it is so good for the baby’s health. A new study recently emerged that found that almost 1000 baby’s deaths could be prevented if breastfeeding were increased. This is tremendous. Babies that are breastfed get sick less and get better easier when they do get sick. Their development is promoted as well. Although they have done their best to simulate breastmilk with formula, it is an inferior product. Even the formula companies say, “Breast is best.”
Some women will not do it if they cannot feel like they are protected when in public
Some women are shy about breastfeeding in public, especially if they are first time moms. Having a law protecting can give them comfort. It is like someone saying that they have the right to do it and no one can tell them otherwise. They may feel more comfortable doing it in knowing that they are allowed. If the laws are not there, then a woman might feel more uncomfortable doing it for fear that someone would give her a hard time and she would have to stop or go to the bathroom, which is not a very comfortable place for anyone to eat. Without the laws a woman who is dedicated to breastfeeding might make the decision to stay home and not go out as much because of it, which is a shame. Otherwise a woman might stop all together, which is even worse.
There are many who are ignorant and would happily impose on the rights of others
If you see someone who is breastfeeding and you are uncomfortable, you have an easy solution. Simply look away. If you feel like you can’t, then leave the room or wherever you are. Unfortunately, there are those who are ignorant to the benefits of breastfeeding and who interpret breastfeeding to be some sort of indecent exposure or sexual act (which it obviously isn’t). They will go up to a perfect stranger and tell him or her to stop giving their baby food or tell him or her to go to the bathroom. The laws need to be there to protect women from this.
Breastfeeding is very important and women should have laws to protect them for the above reasons.
Updated On: 04/16/2010 Published On: 04/16/2010 Tips for saving money on CDs