Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands currently have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location. Embarrassingly, my state is the only outlier. In the state of Idaho, breastfeeding in public isn’t outlawed, but it isn’t protected either. So proprietors of private businesses, like restaurants or theme parks, can legally shame a breastfeeding mother by asking her to stop or leave.

I am asking Idaho to join the rest of the United States and create legislation that guarantees a woman’s right to breastfeed in public. Please join me and sign my petition.

As breastfeeding mothers, the only “luxury” we are afforded in Idaho is an excuse from jury duty. We have no protections beyond that, and face public harassment, shame, and ridicule on a regular basis because of it. Breastfeeding is one of a mother’s most important acts, but this lack of legislation promotes the idea that it’s somehow wrong.

Breastfeeding has many benefits. It provides perfect nutrition for infants, prevents illness, and promotes healthy attachment and emotional well-being of both mother and child. It is also cost-effective and natural.

Women in every state deserve the peace of mind of knowing they are protected while feeding their child. Please join me in asking the state of Idaho to do the right thing and provide protections for breastfeeding mothers in public.