I can't say anyone has ever been arrested or prosecuted. But there have been countless harassments, orders to leave the premises, escorts off the premises, instructions to "do that" in the bathroom, "don't you want something to cover it up?" (referring to a tablecloth!) etc. All the while the allegation is that "someone" complained, but that person is never identified, or the Security Guard (snidely referred to as a 'rent-a-cop' when they behave like that) tells the woman that BFing in public is indecent exposure and she can be arrested. When I talk to women about their experiences, absolutely NONE will give me a signed statement. They refuse to make an issue of it, preferring to just stay home or to bottlefeed in public.

In AZ, or law states that the nipple cannot be exposed to a child under the age of 15 years! It does not clarify whose child: the neighbor's or your own newborn! And I love (hate!) those laws that require you to be psychic and read the minds of anyone nearby to know whether they will be offended. It's because of the wording in these laws that the general public believes that public BFing is Indecent Exposure and is therefore illegal. So what about the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, or every cover of Cosmopolitan? But I digress.

Usually, one simple sentence added to the end of the relevant statute is sufficient: "No part of this Section shall apply to a mother who is breastfeeding her child in any public place where they have a legal right to be."

And stick to your guns about the word "child". If someone wants to change that to "infant" or "baby", fight for it or withdraw and resubmit at another session. Those words have a definition of "under 12 months of age". The result can be the implication or belief that it is now illegal to breastfeed at all beyond one year of age.
Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC


 ---
We are trying to pass breastfeeding laws here in Oklahoma and I was
contacted today by the Media Department for the House of Representatives.
They wanted lots of information, but one of the questions they asked I had
no answer for.  So I need your help.  Question - Has a breastfeeding mother
ever been arrested and/or prosecuted  for breastfeeding a baby in public?

Any help would be welcomed.



Crystal Stearns RNC, MS, IBCLC

Mercy Memorial Health Center

Ardmore, OK 73401

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