Mandates all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to provide hygienic and accessible lactation spaces for veteran moms and the public within two years.
Lauren Underwood
Representative
IL-14
The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act requires all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to provide hygienic and private lactation spaces for women veterans and members of the public to express breast milk. These spaces must be accessible to individuals with disabilities and include a chair, a working surface, and clear signage. Implementation must occur within two years of the Act's enactment.
VA Medical Centers to Provide Lactation Spaces Within Two Years: 'Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act'
The "Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act" mandates that all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers provide designated, private areas for breastfeeding. These aren't just any rooms; they're required to be hygienic, shielded from view, and free from intrusion. Plus, they need to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, equipped with a chair, a working surface (like a table), and an electrical outlet. (Section 2)
Making Room for Moms
This bill directly impacts women veterans and any member of the public using VA medical facilities. Instead of improvising or feeling exposed, mothers will have a guaranteed, clean, and private spot to express breast milk. Think of a busy mom, maybe a veteran readjusting to civilian life or a family member visiting a loved one, who now has a comfortable, designated space to pump – that's a real, everyday improvement. The law specifies that these spaces must include a chair and a working surface, basic necessities that make a big difference in comfort and practicality (Section 2).
Rolling It Out
The VA has two years from the enactment of this Act to fully implement these changes across all its medical centers (Section 2). This means that while the commitment is immediate, the actual setup will take some time. The bill is pretty clear on what needs to be in these rooms, which should help keep things consistent across different VA locations.
The Bigger Picture
This legislation builds on existing efforts to support breastfeeding mothers in federal buildings. It acknowledges that providing a private space isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a need-to-have for many. A potential challenge? Ensuring every VA center, big or small, implements these spaces effectively and maintains them over time. The two-year timeframe is set, but real-world logistics could present hurdles (Section 2). Long-term, this could set a standard for other healthcare facilities, reinforcing the importance of supporting mothers and infants.