Public Breastfeeding Laws by State

by FamilyEducation Staff

New Mexico: "A mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be present."

New York: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mother may breast feed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether or not the nipple of the mother's breast is covered during or incidental to the breast feeding."

North Carolina: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a woman may breast feed in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother's breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breast feeding."

North Dakota (.pdf): No public breastfeeding laws. The bill SB 2344, currently under consideration by North Dakota State Senate, states as of 3/13/09: "If the woman acts in a discreet and modest manner, a woman may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the woman and child are otherwise authorized to be."

Ohio: "A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location of a place of public accommodation wherein the mother otherwise is permitted."

Oklahoma (.rtf): "...a mother may breast-feed her baby in any location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be. Breast-feeding shall not constitute a violation of any provision of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes [indecency laws]."

Oregon: "A woman may breast-feed her child in a public place."

Pennsylvania: " A mother shall be permitted to breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be present, irrespective of whether or not the mother's breast is covered during or incidental to the breastfeeding."

Rhode Island: "A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public."

South Carolina: "A woman may breastfeed her child in any location where the mother and her child are authorized to be. Breastfeeding a child in a location where the mother is authorized to be is not considered indecent exposure."