Rosalyn Henderson Myers, D-Spartanburg is pushing to enact the “South Carolina Nursing Mothers Act.” A bill that would require governmental buildings and buildings owned by schools to require certain accommodations for women to breastfeed children.
Currently in Horry County, Coastal Carolina University has a designated lactation room on the second floor of their library. A room Title IX Coordinator, Denise Perez says is open to all teachers, students and visitors that are mothers.
“It’s not just for mothers but fathers can come in here and change a diaper, there’s even a fridge for milk and a play area.” Perez said.
Perez says the room was funded by the Title IX education fund, and she felt passionate to design the room and make sure students and teachers are aware that is is a resource for them.’
“Any parent should be able to feed their child no matter where they are, and I think that’s what hit home for us, it shouldn’t matter if its a faculty, staff member, or visitor to our campus. We want to provide somewhere thats private, safe and comfortable.” Perez said.
Author of the bill, represenative Henderson says providing funding and resources for working mothers will help the statewide retention rate in the workforce, improve the health of women and their children as well.
“Currently there are 26 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who have implemented breast feeding laws in accordance to this federal law so I am just trying to make sure that South Carolinans are on board.” Henderson said.
The bill currently sits in the house,
