The Politics of Breasts
by Kate Kahn - 14th June 2007
Yesterday, at the Massachusetts statehouse, one topic of the day was breastfeeding and whether mothers should be allowed to breastfeed in public without it being considered a “lewd” act. Haven’t we moved beyond this? It’s getting old. Yes, breastfeeding is best. Yes, mothers should be allowed to breastfeed in public without worrying that they are committing some sort of crime against our overactive, politically correct society. Done. Let’s move on.
I understand that the same people who testified in support of the breastfeeding in public bill, testified against Rep. Harriett Stanley’s proposed bill An Act relative to Maternity Patients Rights . Here’s what I don’t understand: how can people be so against women having the right to be informed and receive complete information, materials, and support on all infant-feeding choices while in the hospital. The bill also requires that mothers and health care providers have access to infant feeding materials and education information, such as breast pumps, feeding supplies and infant formula samples.
I know the activists are worried that this bag of goodies that mothers get at hospitals will influence whether a woman chooses to breastfeed or bottle feed but give me a break. Most women make that decision well before getting to the delivery room.
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