The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, in an effort to ban the distribution of bags containing samples of artificial baby milk (infant formula) to mothers in Massachusetts hospitals, has apparently elicited a legislative response.

A bill titled “An Act Relative to Maternity Patients’ Rights” has been filed by Representative Harriett L. Stanley. House Bill No. 2257 calls upon the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives to insert the following paragraph:

“Every maternity patient, at the time of admission, shall have the right to be informed and receive complete information and materials, support and counsel from an admitting hospital on all infant feeding choices. When a maternity patient chooses a method of infant feeding, said choice shall be supported and counseled. Health care providers and maternity patients shall have access to infant feeding materials and educational information, including, but not limited to, breast pumps, feeding supplies and bottles, infant formula samples and preparation instructions. Further, sample formula and formula equipment shall be distributed to a breastfeeding maternity patient only when an individual physician order is written or on request of the maternity patient.”

If you are a resident of Massachusetts, you might want to contact Ms. Stanley for further clarification.