I'm a bit amazed... OK, I'm a LOT amazed... at the sheer foolishness of two Arizona cities for their recent passage of new laws regarding public breastfeeding.
Chandler and Tempe, both suburbs of Phoenix, have enacted new legislation that gives nursing mothers the right to breast feed in any public place, even if other people are there who might be offended by it.
First, let me state my complete, total, and unwavering support for the act of a mother nursing a child. Medically, breast feeding is best for the infant, provides a perfectly balanced nutrition, bolsters the immune system, and gives other benefits. There are certain situations when a mother should NOT breast feed a newborn (some medications, illness, etc.,) but overwhelmingly, a mother's milk is what's best for the child.
That's not the point, though.
The problem is that if someone else is offended by this, they have no recourse.
So there you are, sitting with your 9 year old son, eating popcorn and watching the ASU Sundevil's football game against UCLA. The lady next to you in the bleachers decides to nurse, RIGHT NOW. She's under no obligation to cover, relocate to the ladie's room for the duration, or otherwise accomodate the presence of others.
I'm sorry? You're offended? Tough.
You're taking your mother and father to sushi, and while eating a plate of yellowtail sashimi washed down with sake, the lady in the booth next to you begins to breastfeed.
How's your appetitie now?
The worst part? As a business owner, you have no rights to ask the woman to do otherwise.
There are alternatives to exposed breast feeding: Women can pump and store a bottle for such occasions. They can cover themselves with a blanket or towel. They can retire to a back room or restroom for the short duration of the feeding.
The misguided decisions by the Chandler and Tempe city councils are indicative of a lack of decency, manners, or common sense.
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