Number: RL32908
Title: Breastfeeding: Federal Legislation
Authors: Douglas Reid Weimer, American Law Division 
Abstract: In the 109th Congress, several bills have been introduced concerning breastfeeding. At this time all of the bills are in committee. H.R. 2122, the proposed Pregnancy Discrimination Act Amendments of 2005, was introduced on May 5, 2005. The bill contains provisions which if enacted, would amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (equal employment opportunity) to protect breastfeeding by new mothers; provide tax incentives to employers to encourage breastfeeding by employees; and provide a performance standard for breast pumps. S. 1074, the proposed Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act (or the HeLP America Act), was introduced on May 18, 2005 and contains various provisions dealing with the encouragement of breastfeeding. H.R. 4222, the proposed Child Health Investment for Long-term Development (CHILD and Newborn) Act of 2005, would authorize the President to furnish assistance to improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries. The bill was introduced on November 3, 2005. S. 2765, the companion bill to H.R. 4222, was introduced on May 9, 2006. S.Res. 403, introduced on March 16, 2006, would recognize the health, economic, and social benefits of breastfeeding and urge the states to protect a mother's right to breastfeed and to remove the legal barriers faced by women who breastfeed.
Pages: 9
Date: October 12, 2006