Lawmakers discuss breastfeeding
WTHR Indianapolis, Lynda Moore/Health Reporter, Indianapolis, Feb. 6, 2003
"A public breastfeeding at a public hearing. The mother chose a legislative hearing room to make her point. But did she violate the law? A new bill would make sure she didn't. House Bill 1510 would allow all women the right to breastfeed their babies in public, anywhere a woman has a right to be.
Susan Para wished that was law a few years ago when she was refused service at a mall photo shop. "I was told they would not be taking my pictures because I breastfed my kid and they refused to reschedule an appointment for me."" [Imagine breastfeeding your newborn while sitting in a legislature hearing room, waiting to testify about your right to breastfeed in public. I hope this woman felt proud and not cowed. According to this Chronicle-Tribune.com article on the same issue, "Currently, women who breast-feed in public in Indiana can be charged with public indecency, a Class A misdemeanor publishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. In some cases, it can be a Class D felony, which carries a standard sentence of 18 months in jail and up to a $10,000 fine." - JC]