On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers approved two bills from the Ministry of Health aimed at facilitating breastfeeding in public spaces and workplaces.
According to Health Minister Michalis Damianou, these bills are part of the new national strategy to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Cyprus.
“These legislative measures are a crucial step in enhancing support for breastfeeding mothers and safeguarding their rights in both workplaces and public spaces,” he stated.
The bills provide for the establishment and provision of breastfeeding rooms in workplaces and set minimum requirements for such facilities.
“This legislation ensures that breastfeeding employees can nurse or express milk at their workplace, while also protecting children’s right to breastfeeding, even after the mother returns to work,” he explained.
The bills also address the creation of breastfeeding or milk-expressing rooms in public spaces such as hospitals, airports, shopping centres, and other public facilities. This ensures that breastfeeding mothers have easy access to appropriate spaces to nurse or express milk while visiting public services or communal areas.
“These measures align with recommendations from international organisations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF, promoting a family- and child-friendly society,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that the legislation reflects a commitment to enhancing the role of motherhood in Cyprus and protecting both mothers and their children.
The bills will now be submitted to the House of Representatives for discussion, with the Minister expressing hope for their swift approval. He described them as another step towards creating a society that respects and supports the rights of mothers and their children.
Source: CNA
