California's Donor Milk Law Spurs 30% Demand Increase, Calls for More Donors

California's recent legislative change, Assembly Bill 3059, has led to a 30% surge in demand for donor milk, putting pressure on Mothers’ Milk Bank California to find more donors. The bill, known as the Human Milk Bill, mandates 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 licensed banks. This legislative victory, while making donor milk more accessible, has outpaced the current supply, risking delays for infants in need.

Jennifer Benito, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California, emphasizes the critical need for community action to bridge the supply gap. With over 36,000 preterm births in California in 2023, the demand for donor milk is not only increasing in NICUs but also in Well Baby and Postpartum units, where it supports gut health and reduces feeding complications.

To accommodate the growing need, Mothers’ Milk Bank California has introduced new donation options, including Saturday donor screening appointments, at-home milk pick-up services in select counties, and drop-off locations at their San Jose headquarters or collection centers statewide. These initiatives aim to make the donation process as convenient as possible for eligible nursing mothers.

The success of AB3059 hinges on the community's response to the call for more donors. Every donation can significantly impact the health and stability of newborns, underscoring the importance of public participation in this life-saving cause.