FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 15, 2001

CONTACT:
Dan Reeves
(916) 319-2043

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Governor Gray Davis signed Assembly Bill 1025, by Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Glendale), legislation to ensure working mothers have adequate time and an appropriate place to express breast milk during the workday. The legislation gained bipartisan support in both houses of the Legislature as well as support from a coalition of medical organizations, women's groups, labor unions, and children's advocacy groups.

"Working moms will no longer have to hide in a bathroom stall to provide what's best for her baby, nor will she have to choose between a paycheck and better nutrition for her baby," said Frommer. "I'm happy the Governor recognized this was a balanced bill that benefits the working mothers and their babies of California."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding a child throughout its first year. Numerous medical studies have reported that breastfed babies tend to be healthier and less likely to become ill than those who are primarily formula-fed. A mother who breastfeeds also has a lower risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, many moms have been forced to give up breastfeeding due to workplace constraints, such as inadequate break time or lack of a proper and sanitary place to express breast milk. Assembly Bill 1025 is designed to meet those needs while being sensitive to the needs of businesses at the same time.

Assembly Bill 1025 is sponsored by the California Council of Machinists, and is supported by the California Nurses Association, the California Medical Association, AFSCME, the California Dietetic Association, Kaiser Permanente, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the March of Dimes.