Lawrence and Douglas county
Moms’ effort a success
New state law affirms women’s right to breast-feed in public
March 7, 2006, 12:00 a.m. Updated March 7, 2006, 11:45 a.m.
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Topeka — Amy Swan, a Lawrence mother, said Monday she was "thrilled and relieved" after Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed into law a bill that emphasizes a woman's right to breast-feed in public.
"It was a long road to get there, but I'm very happy with the results," said Swan, who started pushing for the legislation last year.
Sebelius said the measure was necessary.
"We all want children to have the opportunity to grow up happy and healthy," Sebelius said. "By reaffirming that mothers can breast-feed anywhere they have a right to be, we can help mothers and their babies."
In 2003, Swan was breast-feeding her then 6-month-old daughter in a health club when a man told her he didn't want his son exposed to the sight.
Women across the state had similar stories of being insulted, harassed and even threatened when they breast-fed their babies.
They demanded legislation that has been passed in one form or another in 38 states.
Last year, some lawmakers amended the bill so that women would have to "discreetly" breast-feed, but breast-feeding advocates said the additional word was open to various interpretations.
Discreetly was later removed from the legislation.
This year, the measure sailed through the Legislature.
"Everything just happened so quickly toward the end," Swan said.
She credited Sens. Jim Barnett, R-Emporia, and Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, for shepherding the measure through the Senate.
"Sen. Wagle really did help us this year. After she kind of took this on as her baby, everyone seemed to be in our favor," she said. Barnett is chairman of the committee that recommended the bill be approved.
Swan also credited Reps. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, and Tom Holland, D-Baldwin.
"We will hopefully be able to avoid some of the situations that were discussed by proponents of the bill who were unfairly asked to leave establishments because of breast-feeding," Davis said.
Advocates extolled the benefits of breast-feeding, saying breast-fed babies are healthier and require less medical attention. Mothers save money from not having to pay for formula, and the mother-child bond is made stronger by breast-feeding.
But they noted some women would not breast-feed or would stop breast-feeding sooner than they should because of fear of societal disapproval.
In Kansas, the rate of breast-feeding has fallen behind the rest of the nation.
Swan said she hoped the new law will reverse that trend.
"Letting women know for sure that it is OK will make women more comfortable and keep breast-feeding," she said.
House Bill 2284, also states it is Kansas public policy for a mother's choice to breast-feed to be supported and encouraged. In addition, it provides that the mother would be excused from jury service until she is no longer breast-feeding.
The law will take effect in several weeks once it is published in the Kansas Register.
More like this
- Mothers argue importance of breast-feeding 26 comments / February 3, 2006
- Breast-feeding measure advances in Senate February 16, 2006
- Sebelius signs breast-feeding bill 16 comments / March 6, 2006
- Bill protects breast-feeding but discreet wording a problem March 12, 2005
- Breast-feeding bill goes to Sebelius February 22, 2006
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7 March 2006
at 9:33 a.m.
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lunacydetector (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
7 March 2006
at 9:38 a.m.
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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
NO, I don't think society dis-approval had anything to do with my reasons for not breast feeding.
I don't think people will complain, as long as it is done discreetly. And I have seen plenty of ladies be discreet, as well as a few be undiscreet.
7 March 2006
at 10:09 a.m.
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pelliott (Anonymous) says…
This is good news.
People do complain,
my neighbor is too short,
my boss worships wrong,
my wife served me a casserole
oh no, they passed a law,
that I have to mind my own business
and practice manners for a day,
I'm melting.
7 March 2006
at 10:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lunacydetector (Anonymous) says…
i can't believe someone took offense with my post. it wasn't off topic, and kinda humorous.
of my 950+ posts this was my very first post removed. geesh.
7 March 2006
at 12:24 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Well, I fo one have just about had it with all this talk of breasts anda breast feeding!
Breasts, breasts, breasts, breasts!
Shameful!
You'd think that the LJW had turned into a men's magazine!
oh
they won't know that i' kidding?
ok
try this:
http://www.rivercitytalk.com/forum/ga…
Thanks.
Marion.
7 March 2006
at 1:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
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crazyks (Anonymous) says…
I don't know that I'd be bragging that I got help from Susan Wagle for anything…
7 March 2006
at 4:23 p.m.
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Lynn731 (Anonymous) says…
I think a mother should have the right to feed her baby the natural way, anywhere she wants. I am glad that this right is protected. I just regret that a law had to be passed to accomplish it. Thank you, Lynn
7 March 2006
at 5:02 p.m.
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Gootsie (Anonymous) says…
I agree - just don't be showing that boob. It may be beautiful to you, but it may not be to everyone else in the room.
7 March 2006
at 6:09 p.m.
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kansas_prairieland (Anonymous) says…
Lunacy,
Hey, we all get a post deleted now and then (some of us more than others).
The fact that you posted 950 times before getting your first “post deleted” is quite impressive!! Good for you, my friend!
7 March 2006
at 9:26 p.m.
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blessed3x (Anonymous) says…
I'm waiting for the first story from Lawrence in which some mother is filing a suit because she was booted out of IHOP for dropping her shirt and bra on the floor and letting the little one in on the all you can eat buffet.
Come on. I have no problem with breastfeeding but everyone reading knows that there is a certain percentage that will abuse it just for shock/activist value.
The previous posts are all quite correct. It is shameful that we must pass a law making breastfeeding in public legal. But it is equally shameful that we can't all be a little more understanding of those around us and throw a blankie over the little one while he's eating.