Breastfeeding Law Takes Effect

Colorado became the 16th state in the union to guarantee women the right to breastfeed at work today as the Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Act went into effect.

“With healthier infants, fewer working mothers will miss work to stay home with a sick child. This is the right thing for moms, for healthy babies and for a productive workplace,” Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, and the bill's sponsor, said in a press release issued by the House Democratic Caucus. “Businesses recognize the value of healthy children and how that increases the productivity and morale of working mothers.”

Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, was the Senate sponsor of the bill.

The new law will require Colorado employers to provide reasonable break time, to provide private space for mothers to express breast milk at work, and to not discriminate against them for doing so.

A new website with information for employers interested in learning how to comply with the new law has been set up.