A law signed last week will mandate Illinois employers allow nursing mothers time to pump breast milk while on the clock.
Sponsor Laura Fine (D-Glenview) said it ensures working mothers don’t have to be concerned about losing income in order to provide for their babies.
“Without workplace accommodations that consider the time required to breastfeed a newborn or infant, the burden of balancing work responsibilities and personal responsibilities becomes increasingly challenging,” said Fine. “We are not only encouraging a supportive work environment for these employees, we are also empowering Illinois mothers who must work to support their families.”
Fine points to research that shows about 80% of new mothers across the nation breastfeed and about 60% of mothers are working women.
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