Bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) would ensure that young mothers have access to lactation rooms at large- and medium sized airports.
U.S. Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) introduced the companion bill in the House.
The Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act would require large and medium hub airports to have private lactation spaces within two years that are clean, convenient, and can be accessed by individuals with disabilities.
“Life as a new mom is often stressful and full of challenges,” Fischer said. “Our bipartisan legislation would help make life easier for nursing mothers when they are traveling in airports. It will give them peace of mind as they face the many responsibilities of motherhood.”
Fisher introduced the Senate bill with U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), both of whom said new mothers should not have to breastfeed their infants in airport bathroom stalls.
“Women, especially new mothers, face many unique challenges that are often overlooked,” Knight said. “Breastfeeding while traveling can be a huge hassle and a needless obstacle, which is why I’m proud to work with Sens. Duckworth, Fischer and McCaskill on this measure that would address some of these challenges.”
The U.S. Breastfeeding Coalition, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the National Military Family Association, the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses all support the legislation.