SPRINGFIELD – Ensuring Illinois nursing mothers have proper workplace accommodations, State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate to require employers to provide paid break time for pumping breastmilk.

“Working as a mother to a newborn or infant needing to be breastfed can be challenging without workplace accommodations accounting for the time needed to do so,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By giving nursing mothers paid break time for pumping breastmilk, we are promoting a supportive work environment for these employees.”

Currently, Illinois employers are required to provide reasonable time to nursing mothers during the work day, but this time is not required to be paid. Fine’s measure would clarify that employees' time for pumping breastmilk has to be paid and that employees would not be required to use paid leave during breaks.

Research shows about 80% of new mothers across the nation breastfeed and about 60% of mothers are working women.

“Through the process of working on this bill, I have been touched by the personal testimonies I’ve heard from mothers who have had to decide between pumping breastmilk and losing necessary pay to support their families,” said Fine. “Working nursing mothers can benefit from this support and feel assured knowing their child and career are protected.”

Senate Bill 212 passed the Senate on Wednesday.