Bipartisan Support Grows For Duckworth's Friendly Airports For Mothers (FAM) Act

Press Release

Support continues to grow for the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM Act), which was introduced in May of 2015 and now has 46 cosponsors on both sides of the aisle. The FAM Act will benefit breastfeeding mothers by requiring large and medium airports to provide accessible, safe, clean and convenient lactation rooms for travelers. Since the bill's introduction, it has received positive feedback from Members of Congress, advocacy organizations and constituents throughout Illinois. Recently, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American Academy of Family Physicians announced their support for the FAM Act.

"Mothers from across the country have been sharing their stories with me about why we need to pass the FAM Act," Duckworth said. "The value of breastfeeding cannot be overstated: the health benefits can last a lifetime for both mother and child. I am encouraged by the response the FAM is receiving and believe that we can work together to enact this legislation."

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee circulated a letter (attached) in support of the FAM Act, which also included the support from the following organizations: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, The American Association of Birth Centers, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, The American Civil Liberties Union, The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the Association of State Public Heath Nutritionists, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Centering Healthcare Institute, ChangeLab Solutions, Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, Every Mother, Inc., HealthConnect One, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, La Leche League USA, the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee, Lamaze International, March of Dimes, Midwives Alliance of North America, National Action Against Obesity, National Association of County and City Health Officials, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Center for Health Research, National WIC Association, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere, Shape Up America!, and Women-Inspired Systems' Enrichment. The bill is also supported by a long list of state-based organizations throughout the nation. Breastfeed Chicago has also endorsed the legislation.

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