WILLIAMS' BILL TO SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING GOES TO THE GOVERNOR

 HARRISBURG, JULY 3 – State Sen. Connie Williams called the unanimous House passage of legislation that would ensure women can breastfeed in public locations a positive step toward promoting the health of Pennsylvania babies and moms.

 Williams' bill (S.B. 34) will protect a woman's ability to breastfeed her baby in public and private places where she is otherwise permitted to be. It marks an historic first in Pennsylvania that was more than 11 years in the making – the first time legislation to protect breastfeeding has passed both the Senate and the House. The bill now goes to the governor, who is expected to sign the bill into law.

 "More and more women are breastfeeding and are being encouraged to breastfeed," Williams said. "This legislation further supports and encourages breastfeeding. There is a substantial body of research that indicates the health benefits of breastfeeding – both for babies and for moms. As the scientific and medical communities educate the public and as more new moms learn the benefits of breastfeeding, we may see a new surge in the number of new moms that choose to nurse their infants."

 Breastfeeding is the oldest and most natural way to nourish babies. It is also one of the healthiest. Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the rate of sudden infant death syndrome, lower the potential risk of certain cancers and ensure children have fewer cavities.

 In talking about the benefits of breastfeeding, Williams noted the positive effects it has on children, mothers, the economy and the environment. For children, breastfeeding supports optimal development and protects against acute and chronic illness, including some forms of cancer. Mothers who breastfeed recover from pregnancy and childbirth sooner than those who don’t. Breastfeeding reduces the need for costly health services that must be paid for by insurers, government, agencies or families. It reduces the number of sick days that families must use to care for their sick children.

 "Women who choose to nurse their baby should be able to use a clean, warm and safe location. 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 that may be parked out in the cold of winter or heat of summer," Williams said. "With passage of this legislation, Pennsylvania will join 38 other states with laws to specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public location. It's about time!"