Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is breastfeeding-positive thanks to laws that provide workplace lactation protections. In addition to the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act that provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, Puerto Rico’s laws provide an additional level of support.

We’ve awarded Puerto Rico two drops on our scale.

PR Breastfeeding Laws: In Public

In Puerto Rico, mothers have the right to breastfeed in any public place they’re allowed to be. In addition, Puerto Rico law require that shopping malls, airports, ports, and public service government centers have designated areas (other than bathrooms) for breastfeeding and diaper changing. Read the law: 23 L.P.R.A. § 43-1

PR Breastfeeding Laws: At Work

All breastfeeding employees in Puerto Rico are protected by the federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for one year. But Puerto Rico law also requires employers to support breastfeeding employees by providing break time to pump at work for up to one year after the child’s birth. In July 2025, Puerto Rico amended existing law with Act 29-2025 that strengthens existing protections by mandating that breastfeeding employees’ lactation breaks are paid and reinforcing their right to freedom from workplace discrimination. Puerto Rico law also stipulates that mothers who have access to in-house daycare have the right to breastfeed their infants for one hour (divided as they see fit) during the work day for 12 months. Read the law: P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 29, §§ 478 et seq.

PR Breastfeeding Information + Resources

Breastfeeding mothers in Puerto Rico are exempt from public indecency laws and jury duty.

Puerto Rico also officially recognizes the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers by declaring the first week of August “World Breastfeeding Week,” as well as the entire month of August “Breastfeeding Awareness Month.”(Both are recognized in the U.S., but Puerto Rico is the only state or territory to make it official law!) Read the law: 1 L.P.R.A. § 5165

Coalicion para la lactancia materna en Puerto Rico. Visit here.

Visit U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a 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.