This was just sent to me by another member of the BCC,
Maureen Fjeld
Co-chair, Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC)

For Information
François Larsen
Manager, Communications
(416) 314-4532

October 4, 1999
For Immediate Publication
Revised OHRC Policy on Pregnancy now includes
the right to breastfeed in public

"Women's and children's health are human rights issues," said Chief
Commissioner Keith Norton. "Women have the right to participate in and
contribute fully to society while fulfilling the responsibilities of
motherhood."

As part of its commitment to develop a clear policy regarding the right of
women to breastfeed in public, the Commission today released an updated
version of its Policy on Pregnancy. The policy affirms the right of women
not to be denied services when breastfeeding. International organizations
such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization have repeatedly commented
on the health and social benefits of breastfeeding. Also released today is a
new plain language guide entitled Pregnancy: Before, During and After: Know
Your Rights.

These publications provide practical guidance on women's rights on
pregnancy-related issues particularly in the areas of employment, housing
and access to services. They not only outline the particular needs and
barriers faced by women who are or will be mothers, but also show employers,
service providers, and landlords how they can develop practices and policies
on pregnancy-related issues that are fair, supportive and safe.

In Ontario, it is illegal to discriminate because a woman is or may become
pregnant. Refusing or denying a service to a woman who is pregnant or who
breastfeeds violates the Human Rights Code because it discriminates on the
grounds of sex and family status (being in a parent-child relationship).
Employers are also required to accommodate women in the workplace who have
special needs because of pregnancy.

Both publications are designed to help eliminate discriminatory practices
against mothers and mothers-to-be and support the Commission's mandate to
increase awareness of human rights and protections under the Code.

For copies of these documents, please call:
1-800-387-9080 (toll-free)
(416) 326-9511 (in Toronto)
(416) 314-6526 (TTY)

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