Is It Illegal to Breast Feed in Public in WA?
I remember working at Rite Aid in the mid-90s and saw a woman breast feeding her baby while waiting for her prescription to be picked up. I remember being a little shocked. Not because what I saw but because I didn't think people could do that in public. I didn't mind, certainly, but also didn't know or even think to look up what was legal or not when it came to that.
I mean, you can't have laws preventing people to eat, I wouldn't think. That'd be inhumane.
Here we are, several years later, and some people still ask if it's illegal or not to breast feed in a public setting. Could be the store, could be a restaurant, could be a public park -- anywhere where a stranger could happen to see you.
Is it legal to breast feed in public?
It's totally legal. You're totally fine.
And nobody can say otherwise.
Well, they can, but it'll fall on deaf ears as it's a protected law.
In fact, according to LegalVoice.org:
You have the right to uncover your breast to breastfeed. It is not considered “indecent exposure.” No one can make you stop breastfeeding, cover yourself, move, or leave.
It's nice to know things like this exist.
This was turned into consideration in 2001 where Breast feeding in public is not considered indecent exposure, according to law RCW 43.70, 9A.88.010.
Beyond that, in 2009 moms are also protected by anti-discrimination laws for all public places including libraries, busses, theaters, pools and pretty much anywhere else thanks to RCW 49.60.030 and 49.60.215.
You're good. Keep up the good work.