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PUBLIC OPINION > Public Breastfeeding Should Be a Civil Right

SodaHead Living 2012/04/09 13:00:00
In 1999, Congress passed a bill that permitting women to breastfeed on Federal property, and as of 2009, 47 states have laws in place specifically permitting breastfeeding in public. However, despite the government's attitude toward the practice, it has frequently been met with resistance by establishments that are not comfortable with it -- restaurants, airlines, retail outlets. Now a group of Seattle mothers are trying to sponsor a local bill to make public breastfeeding a civil right, placing it in the same category as racial and gender discrimination. We asked the public if that would be a good move.

sodahead breastfeeding

If Seattle courts are on the same page as the general public, it should be a no-brainer. Most people would like a law in place that makes it impossible for establishments to ask mothers to breastfeed outside or cover up. However, many respondents, even those who voted "Yes," pointed out that it's not difficult to bring a blanket. One commenter wrote, "I understand that it's a natural thing, but women could use some courtesy and put a blanket over said boob."

Conservatives Hesitate

A lot of voters seemed concerned that a woman's right to breastfeed might be compromised if it's not made a civil right, but conservative voters weren't so sure. This is probably because conservatives feel making it a civil right would infringe on an establishment's right to tell a woman to cover up.

Different Without Children

Parents generally voted along with the overall opinion, but among those who didn't have kids, there was a clear division. Respondents who wanted kids eventually were 5% more likely to support public breastfeeding as a civil right, while those who didn't want kids were 11% less likely.

Young People Don't Mind

Believe it or not, the youngest voters were most likely to support making public breastfeeding a civil right -- about 9% more than the overall. It could be that younger people lean left politically, but it's an interesting stat nonetheless.


If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about public breastfeeding. We'd love to hear from you!
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Top Opinion

  • Mr Wayne 2012/04/09 13:38:40
    Mr Wayne
    +18
    Tell them not to "get upset" if someone stares while they do it.
    I know a guy at the VFW is fascinated by it and watches every time he sees it.
    He says the cops have given him a hard time about it.

    If it becomes a "right" to do in public, then standing and watching them should be no more offensive than watching someone excersize their "right" to smoke in public.

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Opinions

  • CookiiCutter 2012/05/10 05:45:08
    CookiiCutter
    Well... In Australia you can be arrested for discrimination if you tell a breastfeeding mother to cover up or move on, so yeah...

    When I was breastfeeding I honestly did not give a hoot who saw me, or who had a problem with it. My child needed a feed so much child got a feed. Did I use a cover? No, because how would you like a hot piece of fabric over you whilst you eat?
    The world has gone crazy with political correctness...
  • shnysasl 2012/05/10 01:19:24
    shnysasl
    +1
    Monkey's Happy mom baby milk right... Good luck for baby too....Thanks baby...
  • aherbert 2012/04/24 21:22:10
    aherbert
    +1
    A mother should be able to feed her baby however, just cover it up!

    breast feeding with a cover up
  • CookiiC... aherbert 2012/05/10 05:46:05
    CookiiCutter
    Could you imagine eating under one of those things? And not able to see anything and freak out?
  • aherbert CookiiC... 2012/05/10 19:36:27
    aherbert
    +1
    No ... I covered my boys when I feed them ... they was too busy eating they did not appear to mind.
  • CookiiC... aherbert 2012/05/11 03:14:03
    CookiiCutter
    Babies never 'appear to mind' much, because they are babies. However most breastfeeding toddlers I have seen, detest being covered by anything whilst eating.
  • aherbert CookiiC... 2012/05/11 03:24:03
    aherbert
    Really - when I breast feed my babies at home I did not cover them however in public I did .... do you think feeding your child in public uncovered is okay?
  • CookiiC... aherbert 2012/05/11 03:27:04
    CookiiCutter
    Yes, I most definitely do. The many times I did it, I got nothing but smiles from passers by (except one old bat).
  • aherbert CookiiC... 2012/05/11 03:37:44
    aherbert
    +1
    I am glad that it works for you … me I am just a little bit more modest. Peace!
  • CookiiC... aherbert 2012/05/11 03:42:49
    CookiiCutter
    'Modest' or more socially acceptable? Then again, other than my choice of clothes (which usually consists of t-shirts and jeans) I am modest, but when it came to feeding my daughter, I honestly didn't care if people got a look, neither did my husband. I was very pro-breastfeeding even before I had a child. To me, no matter how you do it (covered, uncovered, naked) it's still good for the child and excluding problems, is good for the mother too.
  • aherbert CookiiC... 2012/05/11 03:49:13
    aherbert
    +1
    Yes I agree breastfeeding is good for mother and child. My babies never had tummy aches or constipation and I lost a ton of weight.... when one breast feed one normally eat healthy foods. I missed my Remy ... I only breastfeed both of them until they was six months ... once they started to get teeth I was over it heheeheh
  • CookiiC... aherbert 2012/05/11 03:52:19
    CookiiCutter
    Teeth don't bother me, my daughter is cutting her first two at the moment (is 6 months in 4 days) and I'm attempting to relactate. Going to be hectic, but I'm going to do it.
  • aherbert CookiiC... 2012/05/12 15:38:40
    aherbert
    +1
    Yes .... breastfeeding is awesome good luck and congratulations on your baby girl (I always wish I had a girl). Good luck!

    Good luck
  • Kira 2012/04/23 16:27:02
    Kira
    +1
    dude..when they want it, they want it. and sometimes you cant get out of public in time so grab a blanket and tell everyone to f**k off
  • Mark Howard 2012/04/22 15:50:12
    Mark Howard
    Dah I don't know
  • Valerie Howeth 2012/04/22 00:31:59
    Valerie Howeth
    yeah it's cool the baby gets hungry ,please feed it you go Mamas
  • Muriel 2012/04/20 21:55:17
    Muriel
    As I read through the answers to this question I frankly was put off by the foul language and the illogical comparisons to breast feeding. It didn't have to turn into a sexually explicit duel between bodily functions. Shame on all you decent people who let yourselves be pulled into the mirk and mire . Breast feeding couldn't be more natural. Moms use some common sense and just be a little discreet so as not to offend those who don't agree with public breast feeding. There is room for all opinions and if we respect one another's rights(whatever they may be). What a much nicer society.
  • littlebuffalo55TBA 2012/04/20 00:10:26
    littlebuffalo55TBA
    It has always been a civil right just that Puritanical idiots could not help the idea that a breast & nipple have a viable function beyond sex!
  • Miko Mikomiko 2012/04/18 20:08:55
    Miko Mikomiko
    +1
    It's beautiful and natural and there's nothing wrong with it
  • Dave 007 2012/04/15 12:07:48
    Dave 007
    The way broads dress these days, what's the big deal.
  • johnpaul 2012/04/14 21:02:29
    johnpaul
    I think the main reason some people find breast feeding offensive is the fact that it reminds us that breasts are a food source and not an object of male fantasy that is further facilitated by the legal system that says breasts cannot be seen unless they belong to a male. But if nudity offends you, you are disrespecting God's greatest creation.
  • El Prez 2012/04/14 08:49:31
    El Prez
    Why was this even a question???
  • ehrhornp 2012/04/14 03:17:56
    ehrhornp
    +1
    I am surprised that this is still an issue. Of course it should be a civil right. We are talking about taking care of the next generation after all. Shame so many still get so hung up over something so natural.
  • •Sora•Knightwalker• 2012/04/12 20:51:20
    •Sora•Knightwalker•
    +2
    Hey you got to do what you got to do. Besides it's said that breastmilk helps a baby become smarter, do want America's next generation to become even more stupid? (no offense people) I mean come on, it's the people who look that complain, if you don't mind it then it's like it never happened.
  • Bob 2012/04/12 05:23:01
    Bob
    What the heck? I was breast fed I still like being breast fed. I see nothing wrong: it's not like they are taking their shirts off.
  • alaws2005 2012/04/11 19:11:30
    alaws2005
    Women if you breast feed, cover up
  • BRIDGET 2012/04/11 17:46:05
    BRIDGET
    I BREAST-FED MY DAUGHTER EVERYWHERE! I WAS DESCRETE AND PUT A BLANKET OVER MY BREAST. AFTER ALL, DESPITE OLD PERVERTS LIKE HUGH HEFFNER AND LARRY FLINT, BREASTS ARE FOR FEEDING OUR YOUNG. A BUS DRIVER ONCE TOLD ME TO STOOP AND I TOLD HIIM TO "BITE ME!
  • Mark 2012/04/11 16:25:38
    Mark
    +2
    I am amazed this needs legislation. My wife breastfed both my children. No one complained or batted an eyelid. Perhaps people are more conservative elsewhere
  • JERSEYDUDE 2012/04/11 16:20:37 (edited)
    JERSEYDUDE
    of course the public wants that....they want to legislate us into a grave.....we shouldnt need legislation to ban or legalize every little thing....women should be able to breast feed whenever wherever however and no1 should have a thing to say about it
  • Get Bashed 2012/04/11 15:51:56
    Get Bashed
    +2
    Just let the CHILDREN eat!
  • Pug For Huck 2012/04/11 14:53:09
    Pug For Huck
    +1
    It's a right that all women have. This poll should be about women having common sense and having a little propriety in where they enact their right. The public's right not to see it does not get overridden by the individuals right to breast feed. IMHO
  • hari 2012/04/11 13:19:45
    hari
    +1
    its a common understanding and unwritten law of civic society
  • bbz103099 2012/04/11 13:12:26
    bbz103099
    If men weren't so perverted, breast feeding would be something normal. Breast are there for the baby's mouth, not some grown-ass man's mouth. And for women to allow this perversion to continue all this time, speaks to the weakness of women. So bitches grow a set set of balls
  • Ben bbz103099 2012/04/11 18:26:12
    Ben
    Actually, breasts are a very sexual part of the woman's body. Yes, they are also to feed an infant primarily, but they are first there to help attract a mate. But, the way you answered the question makes it sound like you have a problem with both sexes. You kind of come across as crazy.
  • bbz103099 Ben 2012/05/02 15:48:10
    bbz103099
    No, I don't have a problem with both sexes, just the prevert who think God created breast to help attract a MAN, that's crazy. I don't think there's tits on a glory hole, but you guys seem to be attracted to that????? hey I'm just sayin.
  • Ben bbz103099 2012/05/02 19:43:06
    Ben
    You're a crazy person.
  • bbz103099 Ben 2012/05/03 18:04:56
    bbz103099
    lol
  • dandieselonian 2012/04/11 12:58:27
    dandieselonian
    I have no problem with it but some creeps will be attracted[...]
  • Valerie... dandies... 2012/04/22 00:36:41
    Valerie Howeth
    true,but a blanket canm fix all that,nobody wants a pervert to look at them.
  • dill fazie 2012/04/11 12:16:53
    dill fazie
    though common sense is not in use these days, i'll state that a blanket is proper attire...
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