Rep. Porter Champions Law On Breastfeeding In The Workplace

Press release from CGA:

May 9, 2021

Representative Robyn Porter (D-Hamden/New Haven), Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, has championed HB 5158, An Act Concerning Breastfeeding in the Workplace. This bill expands upon current legislation by requiring employers to provide a private location for mothers to express milk with access to cold storage and an electrical outlet.

The Connecticut House voted 131 to 10 pass this legislation.

“57.4% of Connecticut’s workforce is women. Considering this state is carried by an economy that is driven by women, these accommodations are a small ask,” said Rep. Porter. “If we want to support the economy, then we must take care of the majority of the workers in this state, who are women. I am very proud that this legislation has passed with significant bipartisan support to uplift all women, and particularly women of color, in Connecticut's workforce. 70% of black mothers are the sole providers for their family. The pressure felt by women of color to return to work, in combination with the lack of accommodations provided at low-wage jobs, results in significant barriers to breastfeeding in the workplace. This often leaves mothers unable to provide the vital nutrients their babies need once they return to work. I am proud that Connecticut is taking action to give our mothers and children the critical support they deserve.”

The act of breastfeeding is highly beneficial to both a mother and child. Breastmilk contains important antibodies to protect against bacteria and viruses, and children who are breastfed often do not require as many healthcare visits. Despite its crucial benefits, many women are not able to provide breastmilk to their child once they return to work due to inadequate accommodations in the workplace.

Low wage workers and women of color are disproportionately affected when it comes to the ability to express breastmilk in the workplace. Women of color are less likely than their white counterparts to hold jobs which offer benefits such as paid family leave to allow for the longer continuation of breastfeeding at home. Furthermore, women of color are more likely than their counterparts to contribute to the household income, increasing the pressure to return to work. Both this pressure and lack of accommodations provided by low-wage jobs, disproportionately affect mothers of color.

This press release was produced by CGA. The views expressed here are the author's own.