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

California's Assembly Bill 3059, known as the Human Milk Bill, has expanded insurance coverage and hospital access to donor milk, resulting in a 30% increase in demand that Mothers’ Milk Bank California is struggling to meet. This legislation 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 medically fragile newborns.

The surge in demand highlights the critical need for more nursing mothers to donate milk. Without an increase in donations, wait times for families may grow, and some infants may face delays in receiving this essential nutrition. Mothers’ Milk Bank California is now offering more convenient donation options, including Saturday donor screening appointments, at-home milk pick-up in certain counties, and drop-off locations at their San Jose headquarters or collection centers throughout the state.

Jennifer Benito, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California, emphasizes the importance of community action to support the success of AB3059, stating, "Every ounce donated can mean the difference between stability and struggle for a newborn." The organization is calling on eligible nursing mothers to help bridge the supply gap and ensure that every baby in need can access donor milk without delay.