News

Graham Authors Legislation To Guarantee Breastfeeding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

March 6, 2007

Washington, DC – Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) authored legislation to give a woman the right to breastfeed anywhere she has the right to be with her child.

“New mothers often choose formula feeding to avoid embarrassment and other negative consequences,” said Councilmember Graham. “This legislation will hopefully promote breastfeeding as a positive and not a negative.”

The legislation also requires an employer to provide reasonable unpaid break-time, and a sanitary room or other location close to the work area where an employee can express breast milk in privacy and security.

“Statistics are showing a decline in the number of women choosing to breastfeed their children,” said Councilmember Graham. “I am concerned because studies also show that babies who are not breastfed have higher rates of childhood illnesses and infections.”

Councilmember Schwartz, to whose Committee the bill was referred, further emphasized the importance of breastfeeding for childhood health and development.

Joining Councilmember Graham as co-introducers were Carol Schwartz (D-At Large), Kwame Brown (D-At Large), and Marion Barry (D-Ward 8). Co-sponsors included Chairman Vincent Gray (D-At Large), and Councilmembers David Catania (D-At Large), Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6).

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