A new law has now established the obligation to create breastfeeding and/or breast milk expression and storage rooms in workplaces across both the public and private sectors, as well as in public spaces.
The plenary session of Parliament unanimously passed the bill, which now mandates employers and managers of public facilities to set up permanent or temporary breastfeeding rooms. During the committee discussion, it was clarified that this requirement does not negate or affect in any way the right of mothers to breastfeed in public.
In her statement to the Plenary, the Deputy Chair of the Health Committee, DISY MP Savia Orphanidou, expressed satisfaction with the bill, saying it was something that should have been introduced four years ago.
She highlighted the importance of supporting mothers and children in such a significant matter as breastfeeding, which should occur under conditions of safety and hygiene.
Ms Orphanidou added that, alongside the Labour Committee, they will continue to push for legislation extending maternity leave to 26 weeks starting from the first child, to support the reconciliation of family and professional life.
AKEL MP Marina Nicolaou, in her remarks, noted that this is a significant step for breastfeeding mothers after delays caused by the withdrawal of related regulations. She spoke of the state’s obligations to support breastfeeding and explained that the bill does not negate the rights of mothers to breastfeed in public.
She also stated that her party will continue legislating with a focus on people and their needs.
DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvides welcomed the bill’s advancement and highlighted the value of breastfeeding for both child and mother. He noted that the one-year implementation period was a step in the right direction, allowing time for the necessary arrangements to be made.
During the Parliamentary Committee discussions, the Ministry of Health assured that the Health Services are prepared to carry out the prescribed inspections regarding the implementation of the provisions. For workplaces, the competent authority for inspections is the Ministry of Labour.
The financial penalties set out in the bill correspond to those under the Maternity Protection Law.
The Ministry of Health intends to implement the law 12 months after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic, allowing time for special arrangements to be made.
According to the provisions of the bill, it is made clear that the employer is obliged to keep staff informed about the location of the permanent or temporary breastfeeding room and to provide this information to every female employee either upon hiring or immediately upon her return to work after maternity leave.
Additionally, the employer is required to maintain the temporary breastfeeding room for as long as the mother continues breastfeeding.
Also read: Breastfeeding rooms in workplaces approved by Cabinet
Source: CNA
