This House resolution expresses support for designating August 25 through August 31, 2026, as "Black Breastfeeding Week." The text cites public health data on lower breastfeeding initiation among Black mothers compared to White mothers and links breastfeeding to better infant and maternal health. It lists barriers Black mothers face (pain, concern about breastfeeding in public, limited education and promotion, work interference, lack of social support) and describes broader social needs in Black communities (housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, clean water, toxin-free environments, fair criminal justice treatment, safety from violence, living wages, economic opportunity, and quality affordable health care). The resolution recognizes that systemic and institutional racism contributes to these barriers and encourages support for policies such as affordable health care, paid parental leave, and appropriate workplace spaces for expressing breast milk. The text also notes that Black Breastfeeding Week was created by Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka.
If the House adopts this resolution, it is an official expression of support and recognition of a week focused on Black breastfeeding. The resolution highlights health differences and barriers described in the text and encourages awareness and policy support. It names issues that advocates and policymakers might focus on, such as paid leave and workplace accommodations for breastfeeding. The resolution itself does not include specific new programs or direct changes to law in the text provided.
No publicly available information about direct costs or new federal spending is included in the resolution text. The text does state that meeting medical breastfeeding recommendations "would save the United States economy nearly $13,000,000,000 per year in pediatric health costs and premature deaths," but the resolution does not specify spending or budget changes.
Supporters, as reflected in the resolution text, say the week can raise awareness about the maternal and infant health crisis in Black communities and the role breastfeeding can play in improving outcomes. The resolution lists barriers that Black mothers face and ties those barriers to systemic and institutional racism. It says Congress should support policies that increase access to affordable health care, allow paid leave, and provide appropriate places for breast milk expression. Proponents also highlight the work of Black community-led groups and name the founders of Black Breastfeeding Week.
No publicly available information on opposition or counterarguments is included in the resolution text.