Requires insurance coverage for lactation consultant services

• Democratic5

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Julia Salazar says this is needed

The health benefits of breastfeeding to both baby and mother have been well established and supported by many professional associations includ- ing the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nurse-Mid- wives, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses, National Perinatal Association, La Leche League, UNICEF Infant & Young Child Feeding & Care, World Health Organization and many others. While breast milk provides the necessary vitamins and nutrients for a baby during their early growth and development; racial disparities indi- cate Black and Latino mothers are less likely to breastfeed their newborns. Individualized support is critical to establish breastfeeding during the first few hours and days after a baby is born. Access to these services can be critical in reducing disparities in breastfeeding among women of color. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, women in commu- nities of color face barriers when it comes to breastfeeding, including hospitals serving large communities of color not always offering the lactation support needed, and women of color more likely than white women to havw to go back to work shortly after delivery and/or not having enough flexibility in their work schedule to express milk.(1) The 2019 report by the NYS Taskforce on Maternal Mortality and Disparate Racial Outcome indicated that mortality rate among women of color was disproportionately higher in New York State when compared to other states and countries. (2) The Taskforce recommended ten (10) proposals to address the mortality rates in New York State, including implementing training programs for hospitals on racial bias, and promote universal birth preparedness and postpartum continuity of care. These recommenda- tions would help reduce the racial disparities through educating provid- ers and the community in the importance of care during and after preg- nancy. Education on the importance of breastfeeding in communities of color, along with hospital policies that support breastfeeding have been linked to increased breastfeeding in communities of color. This bill ensures mothers who choose to breastfeed have access to the support needed to be successful by requiring insurance carriers to cover lactation consultant services. AMENDED BILL: The "A" print adds clarification regarding the provisions of the insur- ance law impacted by this bill but makes no substantive changes to the bill. The "B" print reflects an update of the section based on changes to the insurance law, but makes no substantive changes to the bill.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.