Breastfeeding and the Law

Breastfeeding in Public

Most states across the US have passed legislature protecting the rights of breastfeeding mothers. The laws below are specific to Texas. For more information on breastfeeding and the law in other states, please visit the La Leche League International webpage on breastfeeding and the law.

Chapter 165 of the Texas Health and Safety Code gives a parent the right to breastfeed their child or express breastmilk anywhere the parent is legally allowed to be. Below are links to a printable “license to breastfeed” in English and Spanish. You do not need to print and carry this document (which is not a legal document) in order to breastfeed in public.

Sec. 165.002. RIGHT TO BREAST-FEED OR EXPRESS BREAST MILK. A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby or express breast milk in any location in which the mother’s presence is otherwise authorized.

Texas Health and Safety Code

Working and Breastfeeding

Both Texas and federal laws support lactating parents in the workplace. Every branch of the military has its own lactation policy. The Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Program recognizes employers who go above and beyond basic legal requirements to provide lactation support policies and programs for their employees.