Humans have come a long way since evolving from our hairier ape ancestors. But mammals are mammals -- the very word itself a reference to our unique milk-producing abilities -- so what's the big deal about breastfeeding?
And how is this relevant to personal injury law? We'll get to that, but first I'd like to point your attention to an incident at a Target store (Salon.com) in Harper Woods, Michigan.
Target shopper Mary Martinez decided to breastfeed her 4-week-old infant because, well, the baby was hungry. That's what female mammals do. Problem was, a security guard unfamiliar with the law (or common decency) said she had to leave (Fox Detroit) because "It's against the law."
It isn't; not in Michigan and, for that matter, not in Illinois.
Since Martinez's husband was a cop, and present during the debacle, he knew his wife was not breaking the law and the family refused to leave. The security guard then called the police, who told the guard that indeed breastfeeding your child in public is perfectly legal.
At that point, you'd think Target's corporate office would issue a massive apology and take the opportunity to embrace Martinez and the mom market in general, which probably makes up the majority of its customers. Even out of self-interest, you'd think the company would want to make the effort to avoid a lawsuit.
Not even close. Instead, Target told reporters at Detroit's Fox affiliate that breastfeeding is allowed in its stores but, "This specific situation escalated to a point where we were concerned for the safety of our guests, so law enforcement was called."
Go ahead and take a moment to roll your eyes.
Martinez told reporters that she felt humiliated, saying:
"Two security guards, the manager or team leader, two officers, they just made a spectacle and a scene. I feel like I can't go to that specific Target anymore."
Perhaps this incident will trigger a negligence lawsuit, but I'm no lawyer. Bottom line is that you can breastfeed your child anywhere you darn-well like (in Illinois, at least) and if anyone hassles you about it to the extent that employees of this Target store did, perhaps you should consider contacting an Illinois injury attorney.
We all gotta eat, right?
-
Breastfeeding Laws, State-by-State Comparison (National Conference of State Legislatures)
-
Right to Breastfeed Act (State of Illinois press release)
-
Chicago Injury Lawyers (FindLaw)
ShareThis
