Sessions Information

  • January 5, 2020
    8:30 am - 10:15 am
    Session Type: AALS Discussion Groups
    Session Capacity: N/A
    Hotel: Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
    Room: Roosevelt 5
    Floor: Exhibition Level


    Despite the ubiquity of the phrase “breast is best,” the law has fallen short of providing breastfeeding parents the support they require to meet their breastfeeding goals. Many breastfeeders have experienced discrimination, harassment, and roadblocks to their breastfeeding plans. Further, the wide differences in breastfeeding rates across race, class, and education level are powerful indicators that there is not equal access to breastfeeding support. This discussion group seeks to explore the varied and overlapping legal and policy issues presented by breastfeeding. Is breastfeeding a public health issue? Is it a civil rights issue? Are the messages and methods used to encourage breastfeeding feminist or anti-feminist? Do they encourage parents regardless of gender to breastfeed or chestfeed? Further, how is the discussion about breastfeeding law and policy reflective of the larger debates about women’s roles and the changing American family?

Session Speakers
Organization: University of Alabama School of Law
Discussion Group Moderator

Organization: University of Connecticut School of Law
Discussion Group Moderator

Organization: University of Kansas School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: Academic Center for Law and Science
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: Seton Hall University School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: New York University School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: The Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: The George Washington University Law School
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: The Graduate Center, City University of New York
Discussion Group Participant

Organization: University of New Mexico School of Law
Discussion Group Participant

Session Fees
  • [6050] AALS Discussion Group - Breastfeeding Law and Policy: $0.00