Arkansas Breastfeeding Laws
Mothers in Arkansas have the right to breastfeed in any public location, as long as they are legally allowed to be there. Arkansas has workplace lactation accommodation legislation that are equal to, but do not exceed, the protections offered by the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act—which provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees.
We’ve awarded Arkansas two drop on our scale.
AR Breastfeeding Laws: In Public
Breastfeeding in public is protected by law in Arkansas. Read the law: HOUSE BILL 2411
AR Breastfeeding Laws: At Work
The federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act protects all breastfeeding employees, but Arkansas state law already requires employers to support all breastfeeding employees by providing break time and a space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work. Read the law: Ark. Stat. Ann. § 11-5-116 (2009)
In 2023 Arkansas passed the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act (Act 128) to boost support for pregnant students in schools. In addition to excused absences for perinatal medical appointments and options to make up missed work, schools must make “reasonable accommodations” to support lactating students. Lactation spaces must be private, secure, non-bathroom spaces that include a power source for breast pumps. Read the law: Act 128
AR Breastfeeding Information + Resources
In Arkansas, breastfeeding mothers are exempt from public indecency laws.
The Arkansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a statewide organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of Arkansans by working collaboratively to promote, protect and support breastfeeding. Visit U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a full list of state breastfeeding coalitions.
Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding and pumping parents on the go, like our freestanding lactation pods and lactation space locator app.
Laws are constantly evolving—which is a good thing! So if we’ve missed something, contact us at [email protected].
Disclaimer: Please consult a professional for legal advice. Mamava’s information on breastfeeding laws is not a substitute for legal counsel.
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Mamava’s Breastfeeding Law Rating Key
One drop: State does not have any workplace lactation legislation that exceeds the PUMP Act.
Two drops: State law exceeds the PUMP Act in one of the following ways: 1) Lower threshold for employer exemption); 2) Workplace protections beyond one year; 3) Requirements for lactation spaces (e.g. electrical outlets); 4) Protections for specific populations other than employees (e.g. students).
Three drops: State law exceeds the PUMP Act in at least two of the following ways: 1) Lower threshold for employer exemption); 2) workplace protections beyond one year; 3) requirements for lactation spaces (e.g. electrical outlets); 4) protections for specific populations other than employees (e.g. students).