Arkansas

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 is equal to, but does 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 drops 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.

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.