California's Assembly Bill 3059, known as the Human Milk Bill, has led to a 30% increase in demand for donor milk, putting pressure on Mothers’ Milk Bank California to find more donors. The law mandates commercial insurance coverage for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and removes the requirement for hospitals to have a tissue bank license to distribute milk from a licensed tissue bank, making it more accessible for families with vulnerable newborns.
Jennifer Benito, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California, highlighted the breakthrough in equitable neonatal care but stressed the need for community action to meet the rising demand. With over 36,000 preterm births in California in 2023, the need for donor milk is critical not only in NICUs but also in Well Baby and Postpartum units, where it can reduce feeding complications and support gut health.
To facilitate donations, Mothers’ Milk Bank California has introduced new options including Saturday donor screening appointments, at-home milk pick-up in select counties, and drop-off at their San Jose headquarters or collection centers. These efforts aim to ensure that every baby in need can receive donor milk without delay, emphasizing the importance of community support in the success of AB3059.
