Helping parents nurture healthy babies

Shortsighted Politics

by Kate Kahn - 21 October 2009

In California, Governor Schwarzenegger just vetoed a bill that wold have provided insurance coverage for lactation consultations and in some cases buying or renting a breast pump.  The bill had already passed both houses of the California legislature.

The Governor vetoed it on the basis that is would increase the cost of healthcare.  But study after study has shown that the more people who breastfeed, the less trips to the doctor there are.  The bill had the support of multiple (31) medical associations and coalitions.  But there were 6 organizations who didn't support of, 3 of which were insurance companies.  No big surprise there I guess.

If we really want to increase the number of people breastfeeding, and decrease the number of doctors visits, then supporting this bill would seem prudent.  Vetoing it is nothing less than shortsighted.  If Governor Schwarzenegger was really interested in decreasing the cost of healthcare, he should stand up to big insurance companies and do what's right for his constituents.

 

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