Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D,I,WF – Forestburgh) announced unanimous passage of legislation amending the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Bill of Rights (A.7202/S.5183). The legislation that originally created the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Bill of Rights, also carried by Gunther, was signed into law in 2009.

The amendment, passed on Monday, requires the inclusion of language informing breastfeeding mothers that New York State Labor Law allows them the opportunity to take “reasonable unpaid breaks at work” to pump breast milk for up to three years after childbirth and requires employers to make “reasonable efforts” to provide a place where breast milk can be expressed in privacy.

“Without question, breastfeeding is the healthiest, safest, and best choice for babies and mothers,” said Assemblywoman Gunther. “It’s important that breastfeeding women know what their rights are and are afforded every opportunity to continue to breastfeed after they’ve returned to work.”

The legislation is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Kemp Hannon.