Montana Bill Seeks to Protect Women in the Workplace

Senator Carol Williams watched her own daughter wonder how hard it would be to go back to work after having a baby and decided to seek protections for breastfeeding women in the workplace. She introduced Senate Bill 89 which would prohibit public employers (but not private) from discriminating against breastfeeding mothers. It would also require public employers to provide reasonable unpaid break time and a private place to express milk. The bill has already passed the Senate and is scheduled for hearing before the House Education Committee on March 19, 2007, at 3 p.m. Senator Williams expects the bill pass in the House without much opposition and it would become effective in October 2007.

The Missoulian has a comprehensive article “Mothers Fight to Breastfeed at the Workplace” by Tyler Christensen. It offers many reasons for employers to consider accommodating the needs of breastfeeding mothers.

Employers who take reasonable steps to provide a comfortable place to pump breast milk may also find that employees on maternity leave return sooner. Jennifer Stires, a public health nurse at the City-County Health Department, knows this firsthand.

When she gave birth to her first child nearly three years ago, she was set on breastfeeding – but her employer at the time offered no place to do so. So rather than give up breastfeeding, she repeatedly put off returning to work.

Her experience with her second child, now about 6 months old, was much different, she said. At the health department, she has access to a private room with a comfortable rocking chair and a sign on the door that notifies others not to disturb.

To see if any breastfeeding legislation is being contemplated in the state or city where you live, browse the legislative news here.