Breastfeeding accommodations and access to menstrual products expanded in 2019

The advocacy group National Institute of Reproductive Health is out with a new report that finds that in 2019, 49 U.S. states and D.C. enacted a total of 146 bills to expand and protect reproductive health, more than in each of the previous five years. Here’s a closer look: 

• Menstrual equity: 89 bills included policies to ensure those who menstruate could safely and easily access products they need. New Hampshire and Tennessee enacted measures to provide free menstrual products in some public schools. 
• Criminal justice: 78 bills considered improving reproductive health care for those in prisons and jails. For instance, Nebraska and Utah passed laws preventing the shackling of incarcerated women during pregnancy and labor.  
• Breastfeeding: 69 bills included better support and accommodations for breastfeeding. California enacted a measure that requires lactation rooms in newly built public transit stations.