File #: Res 1034-2007    Version: * Name: Congress to pass H.R. 2236, also known as the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Health
On agenda: 9/10/2007
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2236, also known as the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007.
Sponsors: Helen D. Foster, Gale A. Brewer, Letitia James, G. Oliver Koppell, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Darlene Mealy, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.
Council Member Sponsors: 7

Res. No. 1034

 

Resolution calling upon the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2236, also known as the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007. 

 

 By Council Members Foster, Brewer, James, Koppell, Mark-Viverito, Mealy and Recchia Jr.

 

                          Whereas, Most health experts agree that breast milk provides complete nutritional needs of infants and is the best first food; and

Whereas, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that breastfeeding ensures the best possible health, developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant; and

Whereas, Breast milk helps strengthen a child’s immune system thereby reducing the risk of common childhood infections, asthma, diabetes and obesity; and

Whereas, Because of its considerable health benefits to infants, breastfeeding is recommended by the AAP, the American Academy of Family Physicians, (AAFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and

Whereas, Breastfeeding is also known to lower the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis in mothers; and

Whereas, In addition to physical health benefits, the contact between baby and mother promotes the psychological well-being of both; and

Whereas, Many new mothers wish to continue to breastfeed after returning to work; and

Whereas, Many employers do not provide women the opportunity to express milk while at work; and

Whereas, Some women have been harassed or discriminated against as a result of their desire to express milk while at work; and

Whereas, Women who wish to continue breastfeeding after returning to work require the availability of suitable, dependable breast pumps; a clean convenient, safe and private work location to express milk; the opportunity to pump breast milk frequently enough to maintain their milk supply; and an adequate place to store expressed breast milk; and                             

Whereas, H.R. 2236, also known as the Breastfeeding Promotion Act, would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect the right to breastfeed by new mothers; and

Whereas, The Breastfeeding Promotion Act would provide tax incentives to encourage employers to establish workplace practices that encourage and assist breastfeeding mothers; and

Whereas, Additionally, the Breastfeeding Promotion Act would also require that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) develop minimum quality standards for breast pumps; and

Whereas, Breastfeeding is encouraged by physicians, health experts and health organizations, and the practice should be supported by national policies; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2236, also known as the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007. 

 

 

LS # 2367

JP 7/31/07