TSA Forces Woman to Pump Breast Milk in Airport Bathroom
Amy Strand, your typical Hawaiian mother, was flagged by security at the Lihue Airport in Kauai last week. The TSA asked her to “prove” her breast pump was real, by filling the bottles before being allowed to board the aircraft.
Strand was traveling with her 9-month-old daughter and had packed an electric breast pump with her, along with some empty baby bottles. Because the bottles in the carry-on bag were empty, she then says the TSA asked her to “prove” the breast pump was real.
The TSA reportedly wanted Strand to demonstrate the pump and fill the bottles, and accordingly, Strand said, “I asked him if there was a private place I could pump and he said no, you can go in the women’s bathroom.” She then describes being embarrassed and humiliated as she had to pump her breast in front of every individual coming in and out of the restroom. However, this was the only place they would allow her to do it because there was only one outlet.
“I had to stand in front of the mirrors and sinks and pump my breast, in front of every tourist that walked into that bathroom,” strand told local reporters. After filling the bottles, Strand and her daughter were allowed on the plane.
This confusion may have been caused because of recent modifications in the TSA rules regarding breast milk. The new rules now state: that breast milk does not need to be tested, as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.
Media reports also are saying that breast pumps are classified as medical equipment, and may not be subjected to additional screening. Media outlets are also reporting that the security agency acknowledges that the agent at hand made a mistake by saying, “We accept responsibility for the apparent misunderstanding and any inconvenience or embarrassment this incident may have caused her.”
This brings us to the question of the day: Should breast pumps and other medical equipment be checked at airport security checkpoints? And if so, should a woman have to “prove” her breast pumps works?