Breast/Chestfeeding in Illinois

The ACLU of Illinois supports the rights of those who choose to breast/chestfeed* their children. In Illinois breast/chestfeeding is protected by law from discrimination at work, at school, and in places of public accommodation.

If you experience discrimination relating to breast/chestfeeding or pumping, or other discrimination relating to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, please share your story.

*Chestfeeding is an alternative term for lactating people that do not use the term "breast" when referring to their bodies.

• View our fact sheet for more information on the protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act for pregnant, post-partum and breast/chestfeeding employees and job applicants.
• Read about the federal laws that protect pregnant, post-partum and breast/chestfeeding workers.

Related Cases and Advocacy:

• Judith Miller v. Circuit Court of Cook County, Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Public Building Commission of Chicago – The ACLU of Illinois represented Judith Miller, a breastfeeding parent who was denied the opportunity to serve on a jury for the Circuit Court of Cook County.
• Thank You Illinois Bar Examiners for Accommodating My Need to Pump During the Test and Extending It to All Nursing Mothers – I gave birth to my first child 8 weeks ago and took the bar exam last week. For a time, this grueling combination did not seem possible.