Weekly Wire: NBM Proclamation Toolkit, Special Sections on FAMILY Act & Black Maternal Health Momnibus, and more

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Weekly Wire: NBM Proclamation Toolkit, Special Sections on FAMILY Act & Black Maternal Health Momnibus, and more

5/19/2023

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- Just Released: 2023 National Breastfeeding Month Proclamation Toolkit
- USBC Existing Legislation Webpage Updated
- Last Call to Sign Up for Marketing Opportunities and Register for the 2023 USBC Conference
- USBC in the Media: Conde Nast Article on Lactation Accommodations for Airline Crewmembers
- USBC Supports...
Special Section on Introduction of the FAMILY ACT
Special Section on Introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus
International News
- Seventy-Sixth World Health Assembly
National News
- BABES Act Reintroduced
- Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) Upcoming Public Meeting
State & Community News
- Webinar on Michigan Prison Doula Initiative & Lactation Support
- Paid Parental Leave Law for Teachers Signed Into Law in South Carolina
- Paid Parental Leave Law for Teachers Signed Into Law in Tennessee
- Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Introduced in Michigan
- New York Bill Introduced to Expand Medicaid Coverage
- Texas Bill Introduced to Create a Tax Exemption for Lactation Supplies
Funding Opportunities
News & Views
Journal Publications

denotes a USBC member organization news item denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

Just Released: 2023 National Breastfeeding Month Proclamation Toolkit

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee released the 2023 version of the National Breastfeeding Month Proclamation Toolkit to help organizations submit requests for their governor to proclaim August as Breastfeeding Month in their state or territory.The toolkit includes a spreadsheet with links and information on submitting a proclamation request in each state as well as a long and abbreviated sample template for proclamation submission. Feel free to adapt the USBC templates as needed to fit the requirements of your state or territory. If your organization submits a proclamation request, please let others know by making a note in the Submission Notes column of the spreadsheet to avoid multiple submissions in the same state. Once you submit a request, we kindly ask you to complete this brief feedback form to help us make this resource more robust for future use. As a reminder, many states require proclamation requests to be submitted well in advance, so be sure to note the deadlines included in the spreadsheet. Proclamations may be requested from municipalities as well.

USBC Existing Legislation Webpage Updated

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee updated the Existing Legislation webpage to include two recently passed federal laws: the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Visit and share the webpage to learn about these and other federal laws that support breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Last Call to Sign Up for Marketing Opportunities and Register for the 2023 USBC Conference

That National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening (NBCC) is fast approaching!

The deadline to submit applications for marketing and sponsorship opportunities is Friday, May 26. If you are interested in sharing about your organization or business at the USBC annual conference by sponsoring a special event or item, purchasing an in-person or virtual exhibit booth, or one of the other available advertising opportunities, be sure to submit your application without delay. Visit the 2023 NBCC Marketing Prospectus and webpage to learn about conference sponsorship and marketing opportunities and pricing at this year's convening.

In addition, registration for the USBC conference will close on Wednesday, May 31, so secure your spot today! Join us in Bethesda, Maryland, June 8-10, for an enriching and dynamic lineup of presentations, networking opportunities, and unique events. Download the preliminary agenda to explore the sessions that will be presented by a diverse group of speakers. Attendees will also have a variety of opportunities for fun and connection, including morning yoga, a movie screening, and a dessert party. One day passes are available upon request. Email office@usbreastfeeding.org to request the promo code needed to access that rate.

USBC in the Media: Conde Nast Article on Lactation Accommodations for Airline Crewmembers

Condé Nast Traveler published an article: "Inside the Fight to Allow Flight Attendants and Pilots to Pump Breast Milk at 30,000 Feet." The article includes current breastfeeding recommendations, the recent passage of the PUMP Act, and the remaining coverage gap that leaves flight attendants and pilots without federal protections for workplace lactation accommodations. USBC Senior Policy & Communications Manager Cheryl Lebedevitch is quoted.

USBC Supports...

Congress: The USBC endorsed the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act

Black Maternal Health Caucus: The USBC endorsed the following bills from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus:

Social Determinants for Moms Act
Extending WIC for New Moms Act
Kira Johnson Act
Maternal Health for Veterans Act
Perinatal Workforce Act
Data to Save Moms Act
Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act
Tech to Save Moms Act
IMPACT to Save Moms Act
Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

Special Section on the Introduction of the FAMILY Act

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Rosa DeLauro led the introduction of the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act this week. The bill would establish a national paid family and medical leave insurance program in the U.S., providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave to address medical needs, care for a loved one, or bond with a new child. The United States is one of the only countries in the world without a national paid family and medical leave program. Access to paid leave has a significant impact on breastfeeding outcomes, and the USBC and the lactation field have been active in efforts to increase access to paid leave. Highlights from the field include:

ABB: A Better Balance published an article: "The FAMILY Act," which features a series of informational resources highlighting the significance of paid family and medical leave and the importance of passing this legislation. In addition, A Better Balance launched an action tool: "Tell Your Member of Congress: Co-Sponsor the FAMILY Act!" and a blog post: "Celebrating Steps Towards Federal Paid Sick Time and Paid Leave For All."
CLASP: The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) issued a statement: "National Paid Sick Days and Paid Family and Medical Leave Laws Critical for Working People," in support of the reintroduction of the Healthy Families Act (HFA) and the Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act.
Congress:
- Representative DeLauro issued a press release: "DeLauro, Gillibrand Introduce New and Improved FAMILY Act in Fight for Universal Paid Leave."
- Senator Gillibrand issued a press release: "Gillibrand, Delauro Introduce New And Improved Family Act In Fight For Universal Paid Leave."
- Senator Sanders issued a press release: "MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders, Gillibrand, DeLauro to Rally with Rail Workers, Mothers, Union Leaders, Advocates, and Colleagues Around Legislation to Finally Guarantee Paid Leave in America."
NNU: National Nurses United issued a press release: "National Nurses United applauds paid leave legislation."
NPWF: The National Partnership for Women and Families published a legislative section-by-section summary of the FAMILY Act as well as a one-pager on how the FAMILY Act has been updated since the last Congressional session.
NWLC: The National Women's Law Center published an article: "Time to Care: Paid Family and Medical Leave and the Family Act".
USBC: The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee launched an action tool: "Call on Congress to Support Paid Leave." Individuals can use the tool to urge their members of Congress to pass the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act. In addition, the USBC is collecting stories, statements, and testimonials from individuals and organizations about how access to paid family and medical leave makes a difference for breastfeeding parents.

FAMILY Act News & Views

Axios: "Senate Democrats reintroducing paid family leave bill"
CNBC: "As Democrats update their plan for national paid family and medical leave, here's what it could mean for workers"
Glamour: "The Bill to #PassPaidLeave Is Back"

Special Section on the Introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act was introduced in both the House and Senate, with 118 cosponsors in the House and 27 cosponsors in the Senate. The package of 13 bills addresses the drivers of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the U.S., including barriers to breastfeeding. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country with significant and persistent disparities in maternal health outcomes, including breastfeeding rates. Highlights from the field include:

BCBS: The Blue Cross Blue Sheild Association issued a statement: "Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is Essential to Addressing U.S. Maternal Health Crisis and Advancing Health Equity."
Congress:
- Senator Booker issued a press release: "Booker, Underwood, Adams Reintroduce the Bicameral Momnibus Act to End America's Maternal Health Crisis."
- Representative Adams issued a press release: "In Honor of Mother's Day, Adams, Booker, Underwood Reintroduce the Momnibus to End America’s Maternal Health Crisis."
- Representative Schakowsky issued a press release: "Schakowsky Reintroduces Legislation to Address Black Maternal Health Disparities."
Johns Hopkins: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published a three-part series: "How Can We Solve the Black Maternal Health Crisis?" in its Public Health On Call podcast. The series highlights the role of the Momnibus in confronting the Black maternal health crisis.
NWA: The National WIC Association released a Momnibus explainer highlighting how the bill package would enhance WIC's reach and public health impacts. In addition, the NWA published a blog post: "Black Maternal Health Momnibus Is Needed to Address Racial Disparities in Maternal Health."
USBC: The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee launched an action tool: "Moms Need Action: Pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus", urging members of Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus. In addition, the USBC is collecting stories, statements, and testimonials from individuals and organizations about the barriers to breastfeeding success that can be reduced through policy, systems, and environmental changes.

Black Maternal Health Momnibus News & Views

CBS News: "Rep. Lauren Underwood says there's a 'pathway' for maternal health bills to pass Congress"
Fortune WELL: "His wife died after childbirth. He’s now dedicated his life to helping Black mothers survive the avoidable crisis"
The Huffington Post: "6 Ways We Must Show Up For Black Moms This Mother's Day"
UChicago Medicine: "Racial justice in maternal health: How to reduce Black maternal mortality"

International News

Upcoming World Health Assembly to Address Breastfeeding Outcomes

The Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, May 21–30. The event will be live-streamed, and recordings of the sessions will be available on the World Health Organization website. The theme of this year's Health Assembly is WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all. The event is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. Agenda item A76/5, The Global Strategy for Women's, Children’s and Adolescents' Health (2016–2030), includes a discussion of trends and actions taken related to breastfeeding outcomes.

National News

BABES Enhancement Act Reintroduced

Senators Duckworth, Daines, and Hirono reintroduced the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act (S. 1570/H.R. 3386). This bipartisan legislation would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula, and other related nutrition products in consultation with leading maternal health groups. This legislation would also direct an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products. Read the press release.

Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) Upcoming Public Meeting

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that the Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET and Wednesday, June 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. ACIMM advises the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on department activities, partnerships, policies, and programs directed at reducing infant mortality, maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity, and improving the health status of infants and women before, during, and after pregnancy. ACIMM also advises HHS on the health, social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to disparities and inequities in birth outcomes and proposes structural, policy, and/or systems-level changes. Register for the meeting.

State & Community News

Webinar on Michigan Prison Doula Initiative & Lactation Support

A new Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar: "The Michigan Prison Doula Initiative's Approach to Lactation Support," is now open for registration. The webinar will cover the type of perinatal support available for prisoners in Michigan and ways the public can support this work. There will be an emphasis on lactation support, as part of these perinatal services. This webinar is approved for continuing education through May 14, 2024.

Paid Parental Leave Law for Teachers Signed Into Law in South Carolina

South Carolina Governor McMaster signed House Bill 3908 into law, providing up to six weeks of paid parental leave for public school employees. South Carolina's more than 55,000 educators will be eligible for paid parental leave upon the birth, adoption, or placement of a foster child when the bill goes into effect on Monday, June 26. Highlights from the field include:

Palmetto Politics: “SC teachers qualify for 6 weeks paid leave starting June 26 under new law”
The News: “WREN Celebrates Passage of Paid Leave for Educators in South Carolina”

Paid Parental Leave Law for Teachers Signed Into Law in Tennessee

Tennessee Governor Lee signed Senate Bill 1458/House Bill 0983 into law. The law requires local education agencies (LEAs) to provide licensed employees with up to six weeks of paid leave after the birth or stillbirth of the employee's child or the adoption of a newly placed minor child. Eligible employees under the law are teachers, principals, supervisors, or other individuals required by law to hold a valid license or qualification for employment and has been employed for at least 12 consecutive months. Highlights from the field include:

A Better Balance: “STATEMENT: We Celebrate the Unanimous Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Tennessee's Public School Teachers”

Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Introduced in Michigan

A group of Michigan Senators introduced Senate Bill 0332. The bill would provide up to fifteen weeks of paid leave to employees in the event of birth, adoption, or foster care placement, the employee's or family member's mental or physical health condition, preventive medical care, or to care for a member of the military. The program would be funded through employer and employee contributions beginning in 2025.

New York Bill Introduced to Expand Medicaid Coverage

New York Senator Solages introduced Assembly Bill A6902. The bill would extend Medicaid eligibility until two years postpartum, require the creation of informative pamphlets on maternal depression, and establish a health expense account program for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Eligible individuals would be able to request reimbursement for out-of-pocket pregnancy-related costs, including lactation support services.

Texas Bill Introduced to Create a Tax Exemption for Lactation Supplies

A group of Texas Senators and Representatives introduced Senate Bill 379/House Bill 1265. The bill would exempt diapers, feminine hygiene products, maternity clothing, and breast milk pumping products from state sales and use tax.