Senate Passes Legislation to Support Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Bill will mean support for women employees who choose to breastfeed their babies.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The Oregon Senate today has passed House Bill 2372, carried by Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland/Tigard) on a 28-1 vote. The bill requires employers of 25 or more employees to provide a mother unpaid time and a private place to express milk every four hours during the work day. House Bill 2372 does provide an exception for business if doing so would cause hardship on business operations.

"This important public health legislation will make a real difference in the lives of Oregon babies and their mothers," said Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), a strong supporter of working mothers in Oregon. “We have worked a long time for this legislation that will now benefit families all across Oregon."

House Bill 2372 recognizes that women with infants and toddlers are the fastest growing sector of today’s labor force. This legislation is designed to assist working mothers who chose to breastfeed. In addition, the health benefits to breast fed babies can result in reduced absenteeism of mothers who stay home to care for a sick baby.

House Bill 2372 has the overwhelming support of the American Medical Association, the American Pediatric Association, the Nursing Mother’s Counsel of Oregon, and the Office of Family Health.