Protecting mums' right to breastfeed

Tuesday 02 June 2015

States Members fighting to protect women's right to breastfeed have had an "overwhelmingly positive" response ahead of today's debate.

It’s never been illegal to breastfeed in public in Jersey but it’s not always been socially accepted and that’s something that Deputies Tracey Vallois and Louise Doublet want to see changed, by following the law in the UK.

The Deputies are both pushing for changes to the sex discrimination law to make it clear to local businesses that mums should be welcome to feed their babies wherever they like - whether they're at work, at a restaurant or in the bank - and for as long as they want.

Deputy Doublet wants to give parents the right to breastfeed free from discrimination until their child is two years old - but Deputy Vallois wants to give mums even more protection, so that they can keep feeding their child in public until they decide to stop.

"It has all been very positive, overwhelmingly positive," said Deputy Doublet.

And she added that the Deputies working together - with the support of the minister - showed a renewed spirit of co-operation in the States.

"I spoke to the minister, did my research, worked with Deputy Vallois - it's been a very collegiate approach," said Deputy Doublet, one of the new Deputies elected just last October.

"That is the kind of politics we should be doing. Deputy Bryans used the phrase of there being a "collegiate atmosphere" in the new House, of people being quite open, constructive and working together.

"Everyone that I have met in the States has the best interests of the Island at heart."

Speaking about the amendment due to be debated today, Deputy Vallois added: "I am proposing this amendment to provide absolute clarity within the legislation. Breastfeeding is a choice for mother and child and there is clear recognition of the benefits and importance of this action. 

“There is no legality relating to breastfeeding and nor should there be. This legislation purely allows for protection against discrimination for mothers who breastfeed and in my opinion, it is not for us to suggest an age limit whereby that protection should end.”

“The 26-week period is determined under the protected characteristic of maternity which recognises the minimum EU requirement and enhances the importance of breastfeeding in those first few months. I am absolutely supportive of Deputy Doublet's amendment allowing for protection under the protected characteristic of sex. 

“However, I believe it should be taken further to allow all mothers protection against discrimination no matter what choice they make whether it be feeding at three weeks or at two years and six months and beyond, it is for them to decide and feel comfortable that they are supported by the community in their decision.”