A framework for regulating breastfeeding rooms in workplaces and public spaces was discussed by the House health committee on Thursday.

“It is with great satisfaction that we finally have before us, after four years, the regulations and the bill that will establish special breastfeeding areas in workplaces, both in the private and public sectors, as well as in public spaces,” Disy MP Savia Orphanidou said.

While welcoming the initiative, Orphanidou noted concerns regarding future obligations and inspections under the framework. She stressed that these should be carried out with dignity and that minimum standards must be set to “ensure mothers feel comfortable.”

Akel MP Marina Nikolaou emphasised that “the practical implementation of a child’s right to better health also entails the state’s obligation to implement positive measures including those related to breastfeeding.”

She said that workplaces must provide breastfeeding rooms where mothers can pump milk during working hours. However, she noted that some aspects of the regulations remained unclear.

“It must be clear that the one-hour provision allowing a new mother to start work later or leave earlier should not affect the implementation of these regulations,” she said, adding that safeguards were needed to ensure the regulations did not undermine other rights granted to women under the Protection of Maternity law.

“It must be made clear that the one hour during which the new mother can go to work later or leave work earlier will not affect the implementation of these regulations,” she concluded.

Nikolaou also pointed out that the initial legislation had been passed in 2018 and submitted to the House of representatives in 2020 but was later withdrawn by the previous government.