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Motion · S6M-17917 · 11 Jun 2025

20th Anniversary of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005

Lodged by Carol Mochan (Scottish Labour) Members' Business Motion 22 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes the view that breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies and young children, supporting their health in the short and longer term, as well as benefiting mothers’ health, including through reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer; recognises that 2025 is the 20th anniversary year of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, which resulted from the Member's Bill lodged by Elaine Smith, former Scottish Labour MSP for the Coatbridge and Chryston constituency and the Central Scotland region, to support and promote breastfeeding; considers that this Act has had a positive impact in helping to increase the breastfeeding rates in Scotland, with the latest infant feeding statistics from Public Health Scotland showing a significant increase in breastfeeding rates over the past 10 years, both at first visit and at the six- to eight-week review; notes reports that the increase in breastfeeding rates over the past 10 years has been greatest among those groups with historically lower rates, such as younger women and those living in more deprived areas, meaning that inequalities in breastfeeding have reduced over time; expresses concern, however, that babies of white Scottish ethnicity were reportedly much less likely to be breastfed than any other ethnicity; believes that there is good evidence that interventions, including good quality of breastfeeding support for mothers, influencing public attitudes to breastfeeding, restricting any inappropriate promotion of formula milk and ensuring supportive employment practices, can work to improve breastfeeding rates, and notes the view that all staff working in the NHS and wider public service should promote and support breastfeeding mums, babies and families, including those in the South Scotland region.

Supporters (22)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.