(Sacramento – May 30, 2018) – Today, the State Assembly voted 75-0 to approve Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer’s (D- South Los Angeles) legislation to develop and implement an infant and toddler breastfeeding program in county jails for nursing mothers.
“When a child cannot access the immunity-building and nutritional benefits of breastmilk because his or her mother is in a correctional facility, that child is sentenced to the ramifications of the imprisonment along with the mother,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “As a new Grandfather, I see firsthand the positive physical and mental, health outcomes of breastfeeding for children. A mother’s imprisonment should not condemn a child to losing those benefits.”
AB 2507 would give incarcerated mothers an opportunity to produce breast milk for their child and require all facilities to post notice of the breastfeeding program in locations where medical care is regularly administered. As well as communicating the provisions of the program to all staff personal who interact or oversee pregnant or nursing mothers.
“Children born to incarcerated mothers are already at a disadvantage and will face many challenges,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “It is imperative that we promote practices that improve family bonding and the health of children, instead of isolating children from their mothers.”
AB 2507 now heads to the California State Senate.