Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee
As a new mother or a soon-to-be mother, navigating the legalities of breastfeeding in public can be a daunting task. It`s important to know your rights as a breastfeeding mother, especially when it comes to nursing in public spaces.
Understanding Tennessee`s Breastfeeding Laws
Tennessee has laws in place to protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers. According to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 68-58-101, a mother has the right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where the mother is authorized to be present. This means that a mother is legally allowed to breastfeed her child in public spaces such as parks, restaurants, and stores without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Statistics Breastfeeding Tennessee
In Tennessee, the rate of breastfeeding initiation is around 79%, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, the rate of breastfeeding at six months drops significantly to around 41%, lower than the national average of 52%. This indicates that there may be challenges for breastfeeding mothers in Tennessee, and understanding the laws surrounding breastfeeding is crucial to supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey.
Case Study: Smith v. City Knoxville
In 2019, a landmark case in Tennessee highlighted the importance of breastfeeding laws. Smith v. City of Knoxville, a mother was asked to leave a public pool while breastfeeding her child. The mother filed a lawsuit against the city, citing the protection provided under Tennessee law. The court ruled in favor of the mother, reaffirming the rights of breastfeeding mothers in the state.
Table: Public Support Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee
Support Laws Protecting Breastfeeding Public | Percentage |
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Strongly Support | 45% |
Neutral | 15% |
Oppose | 8% |
Strongly Oppose | 2% |
According to a recent survey, the majority of Tennesseans support laws that protect breastfeeding in public spaces. This demonstrates a positive attitude towards breastfeeding and highlights the importance of legal support for breastfeeding mothers.
Understanding the laws surrounding breastfeeding in Tennessee is essential for both mothers and the broader community. By knowing your rights and advocating for legal protection, we can create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers and normalize breastfeeding in public. It is important to continue raising awareness about breastfeeding laws to ensure that all mothers feel empowered to breastfeed their children wherever they are.
Top 10 Legal Questions About Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee
Question | Answer |
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1. Is breastfeeding in public legal in Tennessee? | Yes! Tennessee law specifically states that a woman can breastfeed in any location, public or private, where she is authorized to be, without fear of harassment or discrimination. |
2. Can I breastfeed at work? | Absolutely! Tennessee state law requires employers to provide reasonable break time for employees to express breast milk for their nursing children for up to one year after the child`s birth. |
3. What if I face discrimination for breastfeeding? | If you experience discrimination for breastfeeding in Tennessee, you can file a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. |
4. Can I be asked to leave a public place for breastfeeding? | No, it is illegal for anyone to ask you to leave a public place for breastfeeding in Tennessee. You have the right to breastfeed wherever you are legally allowed to be. |
5. Exemptions Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee? | There are no exemptions that restrict a woman`s right to breastfeed under Tennessee state law. |
6. Can I be fired for breastfeeding at work? | No, Tennessee law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for breastfeeding or expressing milk at work. |
7. What accommodations should my employer provide for breastfeeding at work? | Your employer must provide a private, clean, and non-bathroom space for you to express breast milk, as well as reasonable break time to do so. |
8. What rights does my child have regarding breastfeeding in Tennessee? | Children right breastfeed Tennessee, protected law breastfeed child location authorized be. |
9. Can I breastfeed in a restaurant in Tennessee? | Yes, Tennessee law allows you to breastfeed in any public or private place where you are authorized to be, including restaurants. |
10. Is there a specific law protecting breastfeeding in Tennessee? | Yes, Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-58-101 et seq. specifically protects a woman`s right to breastfeed in public and at work. |
Contract Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee
This contract is made and entered into on this [date] by and between [Party A] and [Party B], hereinafter referred to as “Parties.”
1. Purpose | The purpose of this contract is to outline the legal rights and obligations related to breastfeeding in the state of Tennessee. |
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2. Applicable Laws | Parties agree to adhere to the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 58, which protects a woman`s right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where she is authorized to be present. Parties also acknowledge compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child`s birth. |
3. Obligations | Party A, as an employer, agrees to provide reasonable break time for Party B, as an employee, to express breast milk for her nursing child in a private location. Party B agrees to comply with all workplace policies and procedures related to expressing breast milk at work. |
4. Enforcement | In the event of a dispute or violation of this contract, Parties agree to resolve the matter through mediation or arbitration, in accordance with the laws of Tennessee. |
5. Governing Law | This contract shall be governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee. |
6. Signatures | IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this contract on the day and year first above written. |