Support for breastfeeding mothers in Russia has progressed over nearly two years, with plans now aimed at a more expansive rollout. In the near term, officials intend to strengthen advocacy and establish penalties for violations of a mother’s right to breastfeed. This approach was outlined by Tatyana Butskaya, the first deputy chair of the Duma Committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Motherhood and Childhood Issues, during a recent interview. A federal program backing breastfeeding is expected to be a central topic at a working group meeting in the State Duma on March 5, where its development will be discussed and clarified.
The push to accelerate progress on this issue gained momentum after a troubling incident at a capital city sports club. A patron reported a confrontation in which a mother feeding her infant was asked to leave the locker room by the club manager. The episode prompted an internal law enforcement review of the club’s management and staff. The incident has been cited as an example of ongoing tensions around public breastfeeding and a catalyst for proposed policy responses.
Public reports indicate that similar episodes have occurred with noticeable frequency. In August 2023, a nursing mother was asked to depart a cafe on a film set in Tula. In April of the previous year, a bus in Novosibirsk was the scene of a dispute involving a nursing mother and others. Some legal experts have noted that such situations can be read as disturbances of public order, and these events have sparked debates about the need for clearer guidelines. High profile cases in cafes and cultural venues have also intensified discussion about breastfeeding in public spaces.
Tatyana Butskaya underscored that lawyers are actively working on a legal framework to prevent repeat incidents. One proposal involves imposing penalties on organizations that bar breastfeeding mothers, while simultaneously outlining norms for ethical feeding and ensuring that mothers have access to comfortable spaces for feeding whenever possible. The aim is to balance the use of public spaces with the rights and dignity of nursing mothers.
Currently, the law does not expressly prohibit breastfeeding in public, nor does it explicitly permit or forbid it. A lawyer cited in coverage noted that a person cannot be legally constrained from breastfeeding in a public area. If a mother feels uncomfortable or unsafe while feeding in public, she may request staff assistance to direct her to a private feeding area. Should there be no suitable space or if staff refuse to offer an alternative, help may be sought from regulatory authorities or law enforcement agencies for support.
Commentators from non governmental organizations emphasize that even what some describe as excessive exposure during feeding should not justify removing a mother from a public venue. The broader goal remains clear: protect the public’s access to information, ensure safe and welcoming public spaces, and support families in balancing care needs with everyday life. The conversation continues as policymakers, medical professionals, and community advocates explore practical solutions that respect maternal rights while maintaining public order. [Citation: Duma press office and legal analysts, 2024].
Overall, the evolving discussion reflects a nationwide effort to create a more inclusive environment for breastfeeding families, accompanied by concrete steps, clearer guidelines, and enforcement where necessary to safeguard the rights and safety of all involved. The outcome of the forthcoming parliamentary meeting will likely shape the next phase of this policy trajectory and set parameters for local implementation across regions.