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Bill

SB 270

An Act amending the act of July 2, 1935 (P.L.589, No.210), referred to as the Milk Sanitation Law, prohibiting the sale of human milk over the Internet.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 5 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania would ban online sales of human breast milk to address public health safety concerns about unscreened donor milk and disease transmission risks.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 270

Legislative bill overview

SB 270 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Sanitation Law to explicitly prohibit the sale of human breast milk through internet platforms. The bill targets online commerce specifically while leaving existing regulations on other forms of human milk distribution unchanged. This represents a targeted regulatory response to the growth of online milk-sharing marketplaces.

Why is this important

Human milk banking and informal milk sharing have become more accessible through online platforms, creating public health questions about safety, screening, and disease transmission. The bill addresses concerns that unregulated internet sales bypass standard health protocols that apply to commercial milk banks. This issue sits at the intersection of parental autonomy, public health safety, and access to nutrition for infants and vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health vs. parental choice: Supporters argue unscreened milk poses disease transmission risks; critics contend parents should have autonomy to source milk and that informal sharing differs from commercial sale
  • Scope of enforcement: The bill targets internet sales but may not affect private exchanges, creating questions about regulatory consistency and actual health impact
  • Access and equity: Families unable to produce milk or afford commercial alternatives may lose a critical resource, potentially affecting lower-income households disproportionately
  • Definition clarity: The bill may need clarification on what constitutes "sale" versus donation or non-commercial exchange

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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