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09/01/2017
Law To Protect Mothers Who Breastfeed To Be Introduced
New legislation to protect mothers who breastfeed their children in public is to be introduced in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Michelle O'Neill will bring forward the legislation.
Minister O'Neill, said: "I have listened to mothers and am convinced that specific legislation is a pro-active and necessary approach to ensure that the rights of mothers and their children are fully protected. It will ensure that breast and bottle-feeding mothers are given equal access to feed their children with confidence and without interruption in a public place.
"My Department's Breastfeeding Strategy 2013-2023, includes a strategic action to introduce legislation to support and protect breastfeeding infants and their mothers in public places. I intend to take this forward and I aim to do it as quickly as possible. The details of this legislation will be consulted upon as soon practicable and I hope to introduce this to the Assembly at the earliest possible date."
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Seeley welcomed the plans.
She said: "I welcome the news that my party colleague and Health Minister Michelle O’Neill is bringing forward this legislation.
"This will ensure that breast and bottle-feeding mothers are given equal access to feed their children with confidence and without interruption in a public place.
"Breastfeeding is a perfectly natural and healthy thing to do and the rights of mothers should be protected."
(CD/MH)
Health Minister Michelle O'Neill will bring forward the legislation.
Minister O'Neill, said: "I have listened to mothers and am convinced that specific legislation is a pro-active and necessary approach to ensure that the rights of mothers and their children are fully protected. It will ensure that breast and bottle-feeding mothers are given equal access to feed their children with confidence and without interruption in a public place.
"My Department's Breastfeeding Strategy 2013-2023, includes a strategic action to introduce legislation to support and protect breastfeeding infants and their mothers in public places. I intend to take this forward and I aim to do it as quickly as possible. The details of this legislation will be consulted upon as soon practicable and I hope to introduce this to the Assembly at the earliest possible date."
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Seeley welcomed the plans.
She said: "I welcome the news that my party colleague and Health Minister Michelle O’Neill is bringing forward this legislation.
"This will ensure that breast and bottle-feeding mothers are given equal access to feed their children with confidence and without interruption in a public place.
"Breastfeeding is a perfectly natural and healthy thing to do and the rights of mothers should be protected."
(CD/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
