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Bill

S 242

An Act to expand access to lactation care and services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill expanding lactation care access to improve breastfeeding support availability and health outcomes for nursing parents and infants.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 242

Legislative bill overview

S. 242 expands access to lactation care and services in Massachusetts by likely removing barriers to lactation consultant services, improving insurance coverage, or establishing new regulatory frameworks for lactation professionals. The bill aims to make breastfeeding support more accessible and affordable to nursing parents across the state.

Why is this important

Lactation support significantly improves breastfeeding success rates and duration, which have documented health benefits for both infants and mothers. Limited access to professional lactation services, particularly among low-income and underserved communities, creates disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage requirements: Determining which lactation services insurers must cover and at what reimbursement rates could increase insurance costs
  • Professional licensing and credentialing: Defining who qualifies as a lactation professional (Certified Lactation Consultants vs. other providers) and what training standards apply
  • Cost and implementation: Whether expanded access requires public funding and how much the program will cost taxpayers or healthcare systems

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

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