Missouri

Mothers in Missouri have the right to breastfeed in any public location, as long as they are legally allowed to be there. In addition to the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act that provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, Missouri state law provides an extra level of support.

We’ve awarded Missouri two drops on our scale.

MO Breastfeeding Laws: In Public

Mothers in Missouri have the right to breastfeed in public. Read the law: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 191.918 (1999, 2014)

MO Breastfeeding Laws: At Work

Public schools must provide staff and students with break time and a private space to pump. The law also requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a model lactation accommodation policy for public school districts. Read the law: HB 432 (page 6)

Unfortunately, Missouri has limited state legislation to support breastfeeding employees in the workplace beyond public schools. But all breastfeeding employees in Missouri are protected by the FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. Under this federal mandate, breastfeeding employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for one year.

MO Breastfeeding Information + Resources

Breastfeeding mothers in Missouri are exempt from indecent exposure laws, as well as from jury duty upon request.

The Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition works to “promote, support, and protect breastfeeding in all Missouri communities.” Visit U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a full list of state breastfeeding coalitions.

Breastfeeding Law Rating Key

One drop: There is no state-level workplace lactation legislation beyond 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).

Disclaimer: Please consult a professional for legal advice. Our information on breastfeeding laws is not a substitute for legal counsel.