Call to end breastfeed 'stigma'

The Human Rights Commission suggests a campaign promoting breastfeeding could help overcome the "social stigma" that surrounds it.

The commission told Parliament's health committee yesterday the campaign was one way to strengthen breastfeeding rights other than through changes in the law.

The committee is considering a petition by Elizabeth Weatherly, signed by nearly 9000 people, calling for a law protecting women's right to breastfeed in public.

Ms Weatherly gave evidence to the committee last week, saying there were "views and taboos" which made women feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding.

She wants a new law written into the Human Rights Act.

The commission said in its submission to the committee it had received six complaints related to breastfeeding since 2002, and had been able to resolve four of them through its dispute resolution service.

It suggested there were several ways to "eliminate the stigma" sometimes associated with breastfeeding, including:

* A campaign to promote breastfeeding and explain its benefits;

* Assigning staff in government agencies to find ways to promote and protect breastfeeding rights;

* Promoting the use of existing Department of Labour guidelines for breastfeeding in the workplace.

- NZPA