Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Steve Daines (R-MT) has successfully passed through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST). The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act aims to require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula, and related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups.
“Families have enough to worry about when traveling, they shouldn’t have to fear being harassed, humiliated, and even put in danger simply for traveling with milk and supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad to see the Commerce Committee advance our Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act, to require TSA to clarify its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula and help ensure parents and families can travel safely and with peace of mind.”
The BABES Enhancement Act seeks to protect breastfeeding parents and their children while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, putting children at risk. Additionally, parents who lactate need to breastfeed or pump every few hours; failure to do so can result in clogged milk ducts or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation would require TSA to:
- Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula or other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products;
- Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and
- Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and account for developments in technology.
The bill also directs an independent government watchdog to audit compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products. This will provide lawmakers with information related to policy violations.
This legislation was introduced a few months after Emily Calandrelli, host of the Netflix show Emily’s Wonder Lab, was delayed at Los Angeles International Airport while carrying supplies needed for her 10-week-old son. Despite existing TSA guidelines permitting her items onboard, she was forced to check them. Calandrelli shared her experience online and received hundreds of messages from other mothers who had faced similar situations while traveling.
The full text of the bill is available here.
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