Seattle council approves public breastfeeding ordinance

The Seattle City Council voted Monday to approve a
breastfeeding ordinance, which makes it illegal to
force a mother breastfeeding in public to cover up or move
elsewhere.

“Breastfeeding discrimination is basically a health issue.
Anything less than exclusive breastfeeding for the first
six months of life increases health risks for babies,”
said Councilmember Bruce Harrell before the 9-0 vote.

According to state law,
moms can choose to breastfeed
anywhere they want, but many say they’ve been told to stop
or cover up.

At a public hearing on Wednesday, one mother spoke of the
embarrassment that came after some suggested she feed her
baby in a bathroom stall. “Would you bring your lunch to a
bathroom stall?” the mother asked the council.

The measure gives moms the right to file a complaint with
Seattle Office of Civil Rights.

“When women are prevented from feeding their children in a
public setting, they will be provided an opportunity to
come to the Seattle Office of Civil Rights to file a
complaint. The Seattle Office of Civil Rights will be
able to provide education and outreach to really start to
change the culture in Seattle,” said Harrell.

According to the Seattle Women’s
Commission (pdf), breastfeeding
is shown to reduce rates of infant mortality (SIDS) and
reduce rates of obesity and diabetes.