New protection for breastfeeding moms

(WWLP/AP) - A new law goes into effect on Thursday that will allow mothers to breastfeed in public.

Prior to this law, Massachusetts was one of just five states in the nation with no laws protecting mothers who breastfeed in public.

Mothers could have faced prosecution and been forced to register as a sex offender.

Supporters of the bill say this allows moms to breastfeed without the fear of facing charges of indecent exposure or lewd conduct.

The new law will also target people who harass any mother who is breastfeeding in public. They could face a $500 fine.

The law, "An Act to Promote Breastfeeding," was passed last year and signed earlier this year by Gov. Deval Patrick.