LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan now has a law ensuring that women have the right to breastfeed their babies in public.
Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed the Breastfeeding Antidiscrimination Act. Lawmakers introduced the legislation after getting some past reports of women being asked to leave stores, restaurants and government agencies for nursing in public.
Snyder also has signed bills specifying that a mother breastfeeding in a public place is not guilty of indecent exposure or obscene conduct. The Kent County Public Health Department says laws similar to Michigan's have been enacted in 45 states.
Snyder says breastfeeding is a "natural act with many proven benefits." He says that supporting new mothers helps ensure good infant health, reduces infant mortality rates and prevents obesity.