What state is breastfeeding illegal?
Asked by: Estevan Cormier | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (46 votes)
All fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws.
Where are you not allowed to breastfeed?
Know your rights. You should not ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. It is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport.
Is it illegal to breastfeed in Texas?
Breastfeeding in Public
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 165 states a mother can breastfeed or express breast milk for her baby anywhere she is otherwise allowed to be.
Is it legal to breastfeed in Florida?
According to Florida law, it is your right to breastfeed your baby wherever you are authorized to be. Breastfeeding is a normal part of being a mother.
Is it illegal to tell a woman she can't breastfeed?
No, it isn't illegal but it is incredibly rude. She has a right to feed her baby and if someone sees a bit of breast they can get over it.
Breastfeeding laws & regulations
What states don't allow breastfeeding?
All fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.
Can a nonpregnant woman nurse?
Can I produce breast milk if I haven't been pregnant? Answer From Melissa A. Kurke, R.N., I.B.C.L.C. With considerable dedication and preparation, breastfeeding without pregnancy (induced lactation) might be possible.
Is it illegal to breastfeed in a moving car?
As a mom, I understand the need to make certain that our children are fed in a timely fashion particularly when they are babies. But, for the saftey of your baby, your baby needs to be in his or her carseat. That is the law. As such, it is not legal to breastfeed your child while driving around.
What is the new breastfeeding law in Florida 2024?
The bill requires each county courthouse to provide at least one dedicated lactation space, outside of the confines of a restroom, for members of the public to express breast milk or breastfeed in private. The lactation space must be provided no later than January 1, 2024.
Can you breastfeed your grandchild?
The reactions were swift and mixed – some people were shocked, thinking it is physically impossible, while others found the idea distasteful. But the fact is, grandmothers can breastfeed their grandchildren. If they have previously breastfed, this is known as relactation.
Is it illegal to breastfeed in public in California?
CIV §43.3 gives women the right to breastfeed their child in a public place. This protection is needed since women breastfeeding in a public place may be asked to stop, leave or cover up, causing embarrassment and stigmatization. Embarrassment remains a barrier to breastfeeding.
Why is breast milk illegal?
Sellers may face criminal liability under federal and state laws if they know they have certain communicable diseases that are transmitted through breast milk, such as human immunodeficiency virus, tuberculosis, and syphilis, and nevertheless sell their milk to unknowing buyers.
Can a woman breastfeed in a restaurant?
You are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public. That might be a café, shop, library or on public transport (basically any business that provides a service to the public). The Equality Act states that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably if she is breastfeeding.
Is it illegal to breastfeed on an airplane?
“Breastfeeding your baby is allowed during all phases of flight,” says Cathay's page on traveling with infants and children.
How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?
Inducing lactation in people who aren't pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.
What state does not allow breastfeeding in public?
As of July 2018, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands have passed legislation that explicitly allows women to breastfeed in public.
What are the breastfeeding laws in Ohio?
Section 3781.55 | Breast-feeding in places of public accommodation. A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location of a place of public accommodation wherein the mother otherwise is permitted.
Can an employer make you clock out to pump?
The FLSA requires employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for their nursing child for one year after the child's birth each time the employee has need to express the milk.
What is the age limit for breastfeeding?
The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.
Is pumping milk while driving illegal?
There is no law explicitly prohibiting pumping while driving, although there are laws that say that you can't drive while you're distracted, so as long as you feel you can do it safely, feel free to give it a try.
Can you breastfeed in church?
If a mother is happy to feed in a public area, then she should be made to feel comfortable to continue. An appropriately placed chair can be offered for her comfort and convenience.
Is it okay for my husband to drink my colostrum?
However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.
Can you breastfeed an adopted baby?
While there is no way to predict whether your milk production will reach sufficient levels to fully satisfy your baby's needs, many adoptive parents happily breastfeed with the aid of a nursing supplementer that provides donor breast milk or formula.
Can a 60 year old woman produce breast milk?
It is possible for a woman who is post-menopausal to lactate. It is possible for a family to contain 2 mothers (one of whom gave birth and the other didn't) and both can breastfeed their child.