Two new bills facilitating breastfeeding in public areas and the workplace were approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, as part of the government’s policy to protect, encourage and support breastfeeding in Cyprus.
Health Minister Michalis Damianos said the bills were “a crucial step in enhancing support towards breastfeeding mothers and securing their rights in the workplace and public areas.”
The bills provide for the creation of breastfeeding spaces in workplaces and set out minimum specifications for the allocated rooms.
This, Damianos said, would make sure mothers had a place to breastfeed or pump milk at the workplace, which also safeguarded the infant’s right to breastfeeding, even after the mothers returned to work.
Based on the bills, similar rooms would be set up in public places, such as hospitals, airports, shopping centres and government offices.
Damianos said the new legislation would create a family- and child-friendly environment, as advised by international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation and Unicef.
The bills will now be sent to the legislature for discussion.
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