Breastfeeding in Mexico: A constitutional right with a two-year permit

Mexico now has a constitutional right to breastfeed their babies.

Good news for Mexico and breastfeeding! The Mexico City Congress has unanimously approved the inclusion of the right to breastfeed in the capital's Constitution. This means that nursing mothers in Mexico now have a constitutional right to breastfeed their babies, and authorities must promote the exercise of this right in a progressive and harmonious manner.

Article 9 of the Mexican Constitution

The initiative presented by the deputy Polyhymnia Romana Sierra Bárcena This has led to the reform of Article 9 of the Constitution, which now establishes that breastfeeding is an integral part of the right to food and nutrition and is a right of children that promotes their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth and development, preventing illness. It also allows mothers to exercise their right to health and to make decisions about their bodies.

It's important to note that breastfeeding was already included in Mexico's Constitution in an article related to labor, which regulates breastfeeding leave in the workplace. Mothers can have one or two 30-minute breaks a day to breastfeed or express milk. This new constitutional reform goes further and establishes breastfeeding as a right in itself, not just in the workplace.

The reform to the Federal Labor Law was recently approved

Furthermore, the Mexican Senate recently approved a reform to the Federal Labor Law to extend breastfeeding leave from six months to two years. If this measure is approved, Mexico will join the few countries in the world that offer a two-year breastfeeding leave, allowing nursing mothers more time to care for and breastfeed their babies.

In conclusion, the inclusion of the right to breastfeed in Mexico City's Constitution is great news for nursing mothers in the country and an important step toward promoting breastfeeding and ensuring adequate nutrition and development for children. Furthermore, the possible extension of the breastfeeding leave from six months to two years would demonstrate Mexico's commitment to the right to breastfeeding. breastfeeding and the well-being of mothers and babies.