Expressing support for the designation of the week of August 25 through August 31, 2025, as "Black Breastfeeding Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 662
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-19T17:01:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 662) expresses congressional support for designating the week of August 25 through August 31, 2025, as "Black Breastfeeding Week." It aims to raise awareness about racial disparities in breastfeeding rates among Black mothers, highlight the health benefits of breastfeeding for reducing infant mortality and childhood diseases, and address systemic barriers faced by Black families.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts: Cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing lower breastfeeding initiation rates among Black mothers (74% vs. 85% for White mothers in 2020-2021). It notes barriers like pain, public breastfeeding concerns, lack of education, work interference, and insufficient social support. Specific data from North Carolina illustrates higher infant mortality rates (over 3 times higher for Black babies) and links low breastfeeding to increased health risks.
- Health and Economic Benefits: Emphasizes that breastfeeding for at least 3 months reduces infant mortality risk by 38%, and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months could prevent twice as many deaths and three times as many childhood diseases in Black infants compared to White infants. It also states that meeting breastfeeding recommendations could save the U.S. economy nearly $13 billion annually in health costs.
- Historical and Social Context: Recognizes the role of historical and ongoing racial inequities in limiting breastfeeding access. It honors the creators of Black Breastfeeding Week (Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka) and the contributions of Black community-led groups.
- Resolved Clauses: The House recognizes:
- Systemic racism creates barriers for Black women in meeting federal breastfeeding guidelines.
- These barriers worsen health disparities, making Black mothers and infants more vulnerable.
- High maternal mortality rates among Black women are unacceptable.
- Congress should support policies for affordable healthcare, paid family leave, and safe spaces for breastfeeding at work.
- To combat racism's effects, Congress should promote access to adequate housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, clean water, toxin-free environments, fair criminal justice treatment, safety from violence, living wages, equal economic opportunities, and quality healthcare.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of breastfeeding benefits and racial health disparities, potentially encouraging more Black mothers to breastfeed and seek support, which might improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs over time.
- On Government Agencies: May prompt agencies like the CDC or Department of Health and Human Services to highlight or expand educational efforts on breastfeeding equity, though it does not mandate action.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. health issues.
- Overall, impacts are primarily educational and advocacy-oriented, fostering discussions on policy improvements without direct enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Black Mothers and Families: Directly addressed as facing barriers; the resolution aims to empower them through awareness and policy encouragement.
- Infants and Children in Black Communities: Beneficiaries of potential health improvements from higher breastfeeding rates.
- Community-Led Groups and Advocates: Recognized for their work in reducing infant mortality and promoting breastfeeding.
- Healthcare Providers and Employers: Indirectly affected by calls for better support systems, such as workplace accommodations.
- Congress and Policymakers: Urged to prioritize equity-focused policies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not amend laws or appropriate funds. It aligns with existing federal guidelines (e.g., from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding) but adds no new obligations.
- Constitutional: No direct implications; it supports equal protection under the 14th Amendment by highlighting racial disparities without mandating action.
- Political: Reinforces congressional attention to racial equity in public health, potentially influencing future legislation on paid leave, healthcare access, or anti-discrimination efforts. It underscores bipartisan or advocacy-driven focus on maternal health crises, though its non-binding nature limits immediate political weight.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-08-26: Submitted in House
- 2025-08-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of August 25 through August 31, 2025, as "Black Breastfeeding Week". — issued 2025-08-26 — PDF (5 pages)