Rio de Janeiro mandates breastfeeding support rooms in public agencies

The state of Rio de Janeiro has issued a decree mandating the implementation of breastfeeding support rooms within all state public agencies and entities. This regulation applies to both direct and indirect administration bodies that employ permanent civil servants, public employees, or outsourced workers.

To ensure sanitary safety and worker comfort, the decree establishes specific infrastructure requirements. These spaces must include a suitable washbasin and dedicated refrigeration equipment, such as a freezer or refrigerator with a thermometer, used exclusively for storing breast milk. Daily temperature monitoring is required to ensure food preservation. The regulation also recommends providing at least one comfortable armchair for every 400 female employees of childbearing age.

Beyond providing physical space, administrative units are required to actively promote information regarding human milk donation to specialized state milk banks. Agencies have a 180-day period following the official publication to complete the necessary structural adaptations. The State Secretariat for Women and Inclusive Policies and the State Secretariat of Health will provide technical support and encouragement for the implementation of these spaces.