Dr Elise Turner, a women’s health doctor and business-class Virgin Australia passenger, has shared a distressing experience: she says she was asked to leave the Virgin Australia business lounge at Melbourne Airport while expressing breast milk under her shirt. Staff reportedly told her she could either move to a bathroom or pay AU$100 to rent a meeting room.
In her Instagram video (posted recently), Dr Turner expressed shock and dismay that in 2025, a breastfeeding or lactating woman who is legally protected under Australia’s Sex Discrimination Act 1984 is still being asked to leave a lounge for simply expressing milk.
Dr Turner, mother to six month old twins, described feeling humiliated, saying this kind of treatment is unacceptable and should not happen in an era supposedly more progressive in supporting breastfeeding rights.
“I have been told that I can’t sit here, in the Virgin lounge, as a paying business class ticket holder, to express breast milk that sits under my shirt … This is just disgusting in 2025, and this is the kind of treatment lactating mothers are expected to deal with.” – Dr Elise Turner
Dr Turner’s Treatment by Virgin Has Sparked Controversy
Virgin Australia has since issued a public apology, admitting the way the situation was handled “fell short” of their customer service standards. Dr Elise Turner also confirmed she had recevied an ‘verbal informal apology’ from a Virgin Australian Spokesperson. The airline also states it has launched an investigation and spoken with the staff involved.
In the aftermath of her experience, Dr Elise has updated her socia”Doesn’t want this to turn into a nasty sparring match. This is about recognising the needs of lactating parents and being able to support those parents. It’s really sad that this day and age that this is how breastfeeding is percevied…seriously in 2025. She doesn’t want her experience to put people off people breastfeeding or pumping in public.
What People Are Saying
On Instagram, many have rallied behind Dr Turner:
- Some commenters have pointed out the legal protections for breastfeeding and expressed anger that they are being disregarded.
- Others have shared their own similar experiences — being told they must pump in bathrooms, or feeling shamed for breastfeeding or expressing in public areas.
- A number of users have voiced support and solidarity, saying Dr Turner’s speaking out is important to highlight the ongoing stigma and barriers lactating parents face.
Why This Story Matters
- Legal vs lived experience: Even when protections exist, enforcement and awareness are often lacking.
- Public and corporate spaces: Lounges, airlines, airports — these should be inclusive and able to accommodate breastfeeding or pumping.
- Emotional impact: The humiliation, feeling of being unsafe or unsupported matters. It’s not just inconvenience — it’s about dignity and rights.
What You Can Do
- If you are in a similar situation, note the time, place, what was said — sometimes speaking out publicly or lodging a formal complaint can help.
- Raise awareness – this isn’t just Dr Turner’s issue; many people face similar challenges. Sharing stories helps make change.
- Check rights in your country – knowing your legal protections (or lack thereof) gives you power to advocate for yourself.
Read the full, original news story here: News.com.au
