The Lactation Spaces in Courthouses Bill, House Bill 87/Senate Bill 144, passed unanimously on the Florida House Floor on March 28, 2023. HB 87 wassponsored by Representative Ashley V. Gantt (D-Miami) and SB 144 was sponsored by Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach).
Motherhood was once seen as an obstacle for women aspiring to work in the legal field. From 1950 to 1970, women made up only 3% of lawyers across the nation. Since then, this number has increased to approximately 38% and 41% of whom are eligible to practice in Florida. This bill requires lactation space in each county courthouse with the use of state funds or private funds to provide at least one lactation space outside the confines of a restroom for members of the public to express breast milk or breastfeed in private. The provided space will contain an electrical outlet, be hygienic and sanitary conducive to preventing disease, and be free from intrusion.
“I’m honored to get this initiative over the line for women all over Florida. Now, more than ever, we need to enact policies that ensure mothers can return to work without the prohibition of not having the ability to make personal decisions for their child’s care. This is one step in supporting families making personal decisions while supporting the economic continuity of women in the workplace,” says Representative Gantt.
Representative Gantt is an attorney, educator, and advocate for the residents of Miami-Dade County. Recently, she has met with pivotal organizations whose goal is to improve the lives of youth, women, and all citizens across Florida, such as Girl Power Rocks, and the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida.
