Supporters of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s law allowing mothers to breast-feed their children in public are pleased with the convenience and encouragement it will bring for new mothers.

Blagojevich approved Senate Bill 3211, known as the “Right to Breast-Feed Act,” Aug. 16. The law went into effect immediately.

The new law prohibits any business owner from denying a woman the right to breast-feed her baby.

“Obviously, this is a victory for those who support breast-feeding. Breast-feeding is the optimal form of nutrition. It keeps a baby healthy and less likely to get a cold,” said Tom Green, spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Amy Johnson, NIU graduate assistant specializing in marriage and family therapy, said health concerns were not the only reason she decided to breast-feed her baby.

“It is healthy for the baby. It does increase immunization, but it’s also a lot less expensive. It’s not public indecency – it’s a necessity,” Johnson said. “You also get an incredible bond with your baby you just can’t get with a bottle.”

Sen. Don Harmon of Oak Park first sponsored the bill in February. It is the third bill in the last 10 years that supports breast-feeding mothers.

Lawmakers crafted a law in 1995 stating that breast-feeding is not publicly indecent. A 2001 law requires workplaces to provide time and a private area for nursing mothers to breast-feed at work.

Some say the newest bill is perhaps the most significant victory for those who promote breast-feeding.

Julie Morreale of Sycamore has breast-fed all of her children and is a co-leader of the DeKalb chapter of La Leche League, a group of breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be who are interested in breast-feeding.

“We were kind of frustrated it even took a bill. Nobody would ever tell you to take your lunch in the bathroom. It’s really no different,” Morreale said.

Facts About

“The Right to Breast-Feed Act”

* Provides that a mother may breast-feed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.

* Provides that a mother considering whether to breast-feed her baby in a place of worship shall comport her behavior with the norms appropriate in that place of worship.

* Provides a private right-of-action for a woman who has been denied the right to breast-feed in a public or private location.

Source: Illinois General Assembly