A routine visit to the pediatrician ended with mother and infant being escorted from the hospital by a security officer.
The alleged violation? Mother Erin Varghese was breast-feeding her baby in the doctor’s office.
FOX 34 reports that the incident took place at the UMC Physician Clinic in Lubbock, Texas. Varghese was at the clinic so her son, Carlos, could get his vaccinations.
Varghese began breast-feeding Carlos in the waiting room. A clinic employee ordered her to cover up or move to a private area, such as the breast-feeding lounge or bathroom.
Varghese told FOX 34 that a medical facility is the “last place I should feel like I can’t breast-feed.”
The mother claims that she used her bag to cover up, but the staff member was not satisfied. Varghese was told to either stop or move, and if she didn’t, her appointment would be canceled.
When the staff member made good on her threat, Varghese went to find the doctor.
That’s when hospital spokesman Eric Finley says Varghese entered an unauthorized area, at which point security was called. The hospital claims that while complaints were made about Varghese publicly breast-feeding, security was called only when Varghese entered a secured area.
The hospital has since issued an apology to the mother. An apology was also posted on the hospital’s Facebook page.
Varghese says she’s not satisfied and is seeking legal counsel. She has filed a complaint with the hospital.
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