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Cayetano signs bill
By Rosemarie Bernardo
protecting mothers'
right to breast-feed
in public
Star-Bulletin
Mothers and their children watched as Gov. Ben Cayetano signed a bill yesterday that allows women to breast-feed in public places. Hawaii became the 17th state to pass a bill that protects a woman's right to breast-feed.
During the legislative session, testimony was presented to lawmakers about incidents where breast-feeding women in Hawaii have been told to leave malls, a state office and retail stores.
Rep. Marilyn Lee (D, Mililani), who introduced the bill, said, "I'm really happy to see this bill pass."
"Mothers may now feed their children without fear of being sent away to their cars or restrooms, which has been an all-too-common occurrence," said Lee in a floor speech during the legislative session.
"In Hawaii, we are proud to call ourselves the Health State," Lee said. "This will be one more example of our commitment to improving the health of all of the members of our community."
The law allows women who breast-feed to take alleged violators of their rights to district court.
Rose Schilt, executive director for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, said, "It was really successful."
Dr. Sylvia Pager, pediatrician and certified lactation consultant, said, "Breast-feeding should be a normal part of the mother's life.
"She should be able to do it freely."
http://www.hawaii.gov/ Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes
