Breastmilk Protects
Breastfeeding protects your baby from many illnesses and infections.
Breastfeeding Legislation & Discrimination
Even though breastfeeding is normal and the natural way mothers feed their babies, many women feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding in public and some even face discrimination. This is most often due to disapproving looks and comments. Because we live in a society where bottle feeding is common, many people don't know how to react when they see a baby breastfeeding. It is probable that they did not breastfeed and/or it's possible that they have never seen breastfeeding and view women's breasts only as sexual. Many people don't know that babies stomachs are tiny and empty often, necessitating frequent feeding.
Sometimes women who are breastfeeding a baby are asked to leave where they are or to feed their baby in the bathroom. Women who feel they must hide themselves or their baby to breastfeed may view breastfeeding as difficult or restrictive and may choose to wean early. The following information was developed to help understand these situations and existing laws.
This is general information and is not intended to apply to any specific situation. If you need legal advice or have questions about the application of the law in a particular matter, you should consult a lawyer.
Breastfeeding Legislation
Washington State Legislation
State Legislation
Federal Legislation
Breastfeeding and Family Law
Breastfeeding and Jury Duty
Breastfeeding Discrimination
IRS Issues Landmark Reversal on Breastfeeding Related Equipment
In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they have reversed a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breastfeed from being covered as a health care expense. The previous ruling excluded breast pumps from coverage under flexible health spending accounts and made them non-deductible on tax returns.
In response to this decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Reps. Levin and Maloney released the following statement: This “decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere. Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers. And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs. We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response.” (Source: US Congress News Release)