P.R. Laws tit. 1, § 5165
(a) With the mission to maximize and develop the physical, mental and social development of all mothers, children, and their families, it is hereby decreed that it is the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to develop the return to the practice of breastfeeding and to sponsor the benefits for health in such activity.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby sets forth as public policy:
(1) To develop breastfeeding as the best method for feeding the newborn infant.
(2) To support the observation of the following elements in all facilities that render health services to mothers and children:
(A) A favorable attitude and ambiance in which breastfeeding may be effectively developed.
(B) Personnel that is capable and skilled in breastfeeding to render orientation, education, support and assistance in the practice of breastfeeding to the population that requests pregnancy health services.
(C) The sponsoring of the topic of breastfeeding in prenatal orientation and education programs for pregnant women and their relatives.
(D) The breastfeeding topic within the guidance and prenatal production program to pregnant women and their family.
(E) Support and assistance during the post-partum period for women who breastfeed.
(3) To coordinate the rendering of services and support in activities for the development of breastfeeding.
(4) To acknowledge the responsibility of all health providers to recognize, respect and protect a mother’s right to choose and perform breastfeeding, even when same needs to return to the workplace.
(5) To coordinate with other public and private sector agencies for the development of breastfeeding.
(b) Upon the approval of this act, August of each year is hereby declared as “Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Puerto Rico”. Likewise, the first week of August is hereby designated as “World Breastfeeding Week” in Puerto Rico.
(c) The Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, by means of [a] proclamation published through all news and broadcasting media, shall exhort the Puerto Rican community to hold activities in behalf of the practice of breastfeeding and to develop ways to support collective awareness of such activity.
(d) The Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in coordination with the Department of Health, the Office of the Women’s Advocate, and all professional associations and organizations related to breastfeeding shall hereby hold annual activities pursuant to the purposes of this section.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 200, §§ 1—4.