We’ll Be Back, Arnold

In a disappointing and short-sighted move, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently vetoed two breastfeeding bills. One was the bill I took the time to ask my state senators to support — SB 257 the Pavley-Employee Notification/Lactation Accommodation that would have required state entities to inform pregnant employees about the existing California law that requires workplace lactation accommodation.

Governor Schwarzenegger believed that there was not adequate evidence that mothers are not aware of their right to workplace lactation accommodation. However, the California WIC Association sponsored the bill in the first place because it found that state agencies do not always advise pregnant women of their rights and state employees had expressed frustration at that fact. The bill had no opposition and found extensive public support.

The second vetoed bill was AB 513 — DeLeon-Healthcare Coverage/Breastfeeding, which would have required specified health care service plans and health insurers to include coverage for lactation consultation and for the rental of breast pumps. Governor Schwarzenegger said that this bill “will only serve to increase the overall cost of health care.” Such a statement fails to recognize that any money spent on breastfeeding support actually ends up saving money and lowering health care costs through the improved health of the baby and mother! The California WIC Association notes, “It has been shown that infants who are breastfed exclusively for three months have reduced health care costs of up to $475 in the first year of life alone compared to non-breastfed infants.”

Where Do We Go from Here

What can be done now? The California WIC Association asks interested parties to send letters to the editor to five major media outlets. It provides sample letters and fact sheets about the bills. Californians can also call the Governor at 916-445-2841 to express disapproval of his veto on AB 513 and SB 257.

It takes a long time and a lot of effort by breastfeeding advocates to get such legislation passed. What a disappointment to see Governor Schwarzenegger veto those bills after they passed the state legislature. Hopefully the bills will get re-introduced in future years. That’s right Arnold, we’ll be back.