S.778 - Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.778, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act, mandates that each medical center within the Department of Veterans Affairs provide a designated lactation space. This space must be hygienic, shielded from view, free from intrusion, accessible to disabled individuals, and equipped with a chair and working surface. The bill aims to support women veterans and members of the public who need to express breast milk.
The Act requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to implement these changes within two years of enactment. The bill also includes a clerical amendment to update the table of sections in title 38, United States Code.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 27, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to ensure that women veterans and members of the public have access to suitable lactation spaces in VA medical centers. This will likely improve the experience of mothers needing to express breast milk while visiting or receiving care at these facilities.
It will also require the Department of Veterans Affairs to allocate resources for the creation and maintenance of these spaces. This includes ensuring accessibility and compliance with the outlined specifications.
Ultimately, this Act aims to create a more supportive and accommodating environment for women utilizing VA medical services.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Healthcare Experience: Provides a comfortable and private space for nursing mothers, enhancing their overall healthcare experience at VA facilities.
- Supports Women Veterans: Addresses the specific needs of women veterans, promoting their health and well-being.
- Accessibility: Ensures lactation spaces are accessible to disabled individuals, including those using wheelchairs.
- Public Accommodation: Extends the benefit to members of the public, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
- Promotes Health: Encourages breastfeeding by providing appropriate facilities, which has known health benefits for both mother and child.
Potential Disadvantages
- Financial Burden: Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to allocate funds for the creation and maintenance of lactation spaces, potentially diverting resources from other areas.
- Space Constraints: Implementation may be challenging in older facilities with limited space.
- Enforcement: Ensuring compliance and preventing unauthorized use may require additional oversight and resources.
- Potential for misuse: While unlikely, there is a small potential for the spaces to be misused if not properly monitored.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses lactation spaces in VA medical centers, not other federal facilities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of veterans and the public. The general welfare clause, found in the preamble, suggests that the government should work to "promote the general Welfare".
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It does not establish a religion, infringe on free speech, or violate any other protected liberties.
Therefore, the bill seems to be within the powers granted to Congress and does not contradict any constitutional principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).