WashingtonWatch.com - S. 1244, The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009

Comment by Connie (September 24, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Until the government recognizes that breastfeeding is the life long preventative health protection for mothers and babies, no other health reform measures will surpass what the promotion and protection of the breastfeeding dyad can to to save taxpayer health care dollars and improve life long health outcomes....

Comment by Maggie W. (August 1, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Why shouldn't employers that go the extra mile to help support new mothers, who are among the most vulnerable group along with children, to be able to continue providing the healthest form of nutrition to their infants? The employer will benefit with less loss of employee work days due to mothers with sick babies; mothers' benefit with increased morale when they feel supported and will be more productive; the community benefits in overall health savings with a reduction in sick infants/children. Breastfeeding is just about the best preventive measure that exists by starting infants off with human milk that is preventive for diseases in mothers and infants. Historically, women as a vulnerable group have not had their needs met with supportive laws that put them on equal standing in the workplace. They have been discriminated against for simply wanting to provide the best for their babies. This bill is long overdue. It's about time someone cared about these vulnerable moms and babies....

Comment by Anon. (August 1, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

It is about time more laws were put in place for mother's protection and right to breastfeed her baby and get support at work to continue. The research confirms the number one reason working mothers quit breastfeeding is because of unsupportive work environments that make continuing too difficult and stressful. If I had more support in my workplace, I would have loved to continue for the first year. But unfortunately, I was able to hang in there for only five months....

Comment by Anon. (July 4, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This bill is ridiculous! A tax incentive for breastfeeding? Are you kidding me. Can't we focus on the things that matter more? Like the debt we are already in, the war, children's schools. Not everyone thinks that breastfeeding is for them. They shouldn't have to feel guilty about not doing it. In my opinion that it what this bill will do....

Comment by erin (July 2, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Increased rates of breastfeeding has been demonstrated to save huge amounts of tax payer dollars (less money spent providing free formula, healthier babies, healthier kids, less CPS calls because of better bonding, healthier moms, etc.). This bill also helps the CDC in reaching their breastfeeding rate goals. It's a good start, and I hope more is done to encourage mothers to nurse their children....

Comment by Jackie S. (July 2, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Breast is best for mother and baby. There are so many benefits for mother and baby, that to not breast feed when you have the ability to do so is doing a disservice to yourself and your child. I think this bill is great and would love to see such a bill passed. It is time our country stopped looking at breast feeding as a taboo act and embrace it for the natural and loving act that it is....

Comment by ronda (June 26, 2009, 01:00:00)

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

really we have enough problems with the tax codes. fix those first. I as a women encourage women to to do whats best for them and thier children, but do we need to go here....

Revision by webmaster (June 19, 2009, 01:00:00)

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

S. 1244 would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect breastfeeding by new mothers, to provide for a performance standard for breast pumps, and to provide tax incentives to encourage breastfeeding.

Detailed Summary

Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include lactation (i.e., breastfeeding or the expressing of milk from the breast) as protected conduct under such Act.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for 50% of their qualified breastfeeding promotion and support expenditures, up to $10,000 for any taxable year. Defines "qualified breastfeeding promotion and support expenditures" as business expenses incurred for breast pumps and other equipment specially designed to assist mothers who are breastfeeding their children and for consultation services relating to breastfeeding. Expands the tax deduction for medical expenses to include expenses for breastfeeding equipment and consultation services.

Safe and Effective Breast Pump Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) effect a performance standard for breast pumps without regard to their classification under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) issue a compliance policy guide to provide women with information about breast pumps.

Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to require employers with 50 or more employees to provide their breastfeeding employees with break time and private areas to express breast milk for their nursing children.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/11/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (June 12, 2009, 01:00:00)

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

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Status of the Legislation

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Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Revision by webmaster (June 12, 2009, 01:00:00)

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Detailed Summary

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Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/11/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Status as of June 11, 2009

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

6/11/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.