Virginia Now Legally Allows Public Breastfeeding, Because This Is Still A Battle American Moms Have To Fight

After a new bill passed in both the state Senate and House of Delegates, Virginia is now poised to become the 48th state that legally protects mothers’ rights to breastfeed in public. Yes, I know how crazy that sounds. Because it is crazy. Current law in the state permits women to breastfeed their babies on any space owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, but it does not protect their right to breastfeed in a privately owned public location, such as a clothing store, coffee shop or gym. The bill will go into effect in July of this year. I wonder if this bill includes the men of Virginia, since they can lactate too? I kid, I kid.

Three moms took charge to spearhead the bill: Kate Noon, Crystal McCullough, and Rebecca Geller. Geller explained the significance of changing Virginia’s policy in a perfectly succinct way:

“Each mother should be able to make a decision about what’s right for her child, and it is important that the law respects a mom’s choices in feeding a child.”

McCollough claims that without this bill, “women can be harassed and discriminated while children are denied the basic necessity of eating to survive. This bill will empower women.” Sad but true, sister. I can’t imagine being told to leave an establishment for breastfeeding my child. I literally cannot wrap my mind around such a thing.

In case you’re wondering about the other two states where such a thing is in fact legal: South Dakota and Idaho. Your move, guys.

(Photo: Shutterstock)