Breastfeeding 1-2-3 » rhode island

Rhode Island Breastfeeding Law Takes Effect Today

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:01:12 +0000

Here is a reminder that the new Rhode Island law protecting breastfeeding in public takes effect today, March 1, 2009. This law is in addition to the existing Rhode Island laws excluding breastfeeding mothers from disorderly conduct laws, and requiring employers to provide a safe, private place to breastfeed or pump.

The entire text of the enacted bill reads:

23-13.5-1. Breastfeeding in public places. – A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public.

23-13.5-2. Remedies. – In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:

(1) Afford injunctive relief against any person, entity or public accommodation that commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter; and

(2) Award compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on March 1, 2009.

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New Rhode Island Law Protects Breastfeeding in Public

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:41:18 +0000

Good news for Rhode Islanders and breastfeeding advocates everywhere! In addition to the existing Rhode Island laws excluding breastfeeding mothers from disorderly conduct laws, and requiring employers to provide a safe, private place to breastfeed or pump, a new law has been enacted (it became effective without the governor’s signature last week). The new law takes effect March 1, 2009.

The entire text of the enacted bill reads:

23-13.5-1. Breastfeeding in public places. – A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public.

23-13.5-2. Remedies. – In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:

(1) Afford injunctive relief against any person, entity or public accommodation that commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter; and

(2) Award compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on March 1, 2009.

It’s wonderful to see a law that provides a private cause of action for denial of the right to breastfeed in public. Congratulations and thanks to State Senators Perry, Moura, Sosnowski, Gallo, and Pichardo, who co-sponsored the bill in the Rhode Island Senate.

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Breastfeeding in the News for June 27, 2008

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:13 +0000

~ The Rhode Island breastfeeding laws already exclude breastfeeding mothers from disorderly conduct laws (and require employers to provide a safe place to breastfeed or express milk), but a new bill just passed by the state Senate and House provides that “A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public.” No word yet on whether and when Rhode Island governor Donald Carcieri plans to sign the bill into law. The new law would take effect on March 1, 2009, and would allow for injunctive relief against anyone who violates the law, along with compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs paid to the plaintiff.

~ Speaking of breastfeeding law violations, the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog discusses how a California company was fined $4,000 for violating a workplace pumping law.

~ In a New York Times obituary for La Leche League founder Edwina Froehlich, another LLL founder Mary White is quoted as saying, “We used to tell the mothers the three main obstacles to successful breast-feeding were doctors, hospitals and social pressure.” Unfortunately things are slow to change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that hospitals do poorly on breastfeeding support.

~ The Chinese policewoman who breastfed nine babies during the recent earthquake crisis has been promoted for her efforts.

~ A Tennessee woman who was breastfeeding her 3-month-old son outside a county courtroom was asked by officers to move to a more discreet location. Tennessee law protects breastfeeding in public for infants 12 months and younger.

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