Michigan Lawmaker Wants To Set Up Non-Profit Breast Milk Bank

LANSING (WWJ) - Got milk?

For those who don't, one Michigan lawmaker has introduced legislation that calls for a government-regulated non-profit breast milk bank.

"A breast milk bank is a place where mothers who are nursing an excess milk can donate their milk," explained Rep. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor).

Geiss believes breast milk donated in Michigan should stay in Michigan — where it can be used to feed premature and ill infants — and that this new law is needed to help curb the state's high infant mortality rate.

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Geiss' bill would also set safety and quality standards for milk donation.

"Anything that could get into the milk from nicotine users or drug users or anything — whether it's an illegal or a prescription — those mothers who have that in their system will not be able to donate," Geiss told WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick.

"It would hopefully prevent exploitation of mothers on the for-profit side, and put in very clear standards for ensuring the milk that is collected in Michigan does get to the (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) NICU," Geiss said.

If this bill is successful,  Geiss said would consider regulating, for profit, Internet sales of breast milk.