State Senator Reggie Thomas wants the state to guarantee a woman’s right to breastfeed in any location she is otherwise allowed to be. The Lexington Democrat argues that breastfeeding is a practice science has shown to be beneficial.
"Studies show that if you breastfeed a child, they have less colds, less sickness, they grow faster and stronger, and they become better students," he says.
Under Thomas’ bill, businesses that violate the law could be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent violation – penalties the lawmaker argues are not too onerous.
"You know there's always pushback, but I believe the penalties are fair, they're modest," the senator says.
A separate bill would establish workplace standards for nursing. Thomas says he will begin seeking a committee hearing on the issue Wednesday.
