Australian court bans tattooed mother from breastfeeding child

Sydney, June 18 (IANS/EFE) An Australian judge banned a woman, who got a tattoo four weeks ago, from breastfeeding her 11-month-old child saying it will expose her baby to unacceptable risk, media reported on Thursday.

Federal Circuit Court Judge Matthew Myers' decision comes despite the mother recording negative results on hepatitis and HIV tests, according to ABC channel.

The judge determined that in this case, brought to court by the baby's father amid bitter family dispute, the clinical tests were not conclusive.

Australian Breastfeeding Association's chief executive officer Rebecca Naylor expressed her concern over the dangerous precedent that could be set by the ruling.

She pointed out that the tattoo industry in the country was regulated, with lower chances of contracting infections.

"I think unless there's evidence that she has contracted an infection as a result of that tattoo, then it is unreasonable," she said.

--IANS/EFE

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