WILLIAMS' LEGISLATION PASSES SENATE GOES TO THE HOUSE

HARRISBURG, MAY 22 -- Legislation that would support a woman's freedom to breastfeed her baby was voted by the Senate today, according to the bill sponsor, state Sen. Connie Williams.

The vote came just two weeks after more than 100 mothers and babies took part in a Capitol rally in support of making Pennsylvania a breastfeeding-friendly state.

"My legislation supports and protects a mother's freedom to breastfeed her child in public places," Williams said. "This is an issue of fairness and supporting women's freedom to choose how they feed their babies."

"Breastfeeding is the oldest and most natural way to nourish babies. It is also one of the healthiest. Women have every right to utilize a clean, warm and safe location to nurse their babies. They should not be told that in order to feed their babies they must retreat to a less-than hygienic spot, such as a public bathroom, or go to a vehicle, which has been out in the cold of winter or heath of summer.."

Williams amended the legislation (S.B. 34) on third consideration. The amendment clarifies the intent of the legislation, which is to protect a woman's freedom to breastfeed. It also removed a duplicative prohibition on local ordinances while clarifying that the intent of state law is to supersede any weaker local ordinance.

"The Senate's show of support for this measure will be well received by the many moms that I've heard from since I first introduced this bill last session," Williams said. "This bill will allow breastfeeding to be a viable option for women who choose this as their method for feeding their baby. It will go a long way toward removing obstacles to breastfeeding.

"I am encouraging my colleagues in the House to act quickly to pass this legislation. And, I am encouraging Pennsylvanians who support this initiative to contact their state Representative and ask them move this bill. Based on the number of phone calls, letters and e-mails that I have received from Pennsylvania moms, this legislation is needed now."

 Senate members voted 48 to 1 in favor of the legislation, which now goes to the House for consideration.

 Williams has two other bills dealing with breastfeeding. Both bills remain in Senate committees.

• S.B. 35, which would ensure that a breastfeeding mother cannot be fired or discriminated against in the workplace for breastfeeding or expressing milk during lunches or breaks.

• S.B. 36, which would allow tax credits to businesses that support breastfeeding mothers by establishing lactation programs, hiring a lactation consultant, or promoting a lactation-friendly work environment.