Pennsylvania is touting expanded access to pasteurized donor human milk thanks to new laws in the state.

According to the release, Owen's Law takes effect this week and increases access to human milk by expanding the number of health conditions eligible for Medicaid-covered donor milk. The law helps supplement a mother's milk and gives more options for the healthy growth of infants.

Some of the law's key components are expanding the number of medical conditions qualifying for Medicaid coverage, requiring the Department of Health and Department of Human Services to make a public information campaign on the availability of human donor milk, and creating updated guidance for its use.

According to the release, pasteurized donor human milk is an evidence-based nutritional medicine essential to fragile infants' health. It's often used for babies in neonatal intensive care units where it is difficult for mothers to provide enough breast milk to meet all their child's needs.

"The injustices inflicted on Black mothers and families echo through the present and are a foundation of today's inequities, which result in worse health outcomes for Black mothers and babies," said Pennsylvania Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis. "However, we have the opportunity to rectify those injustices and end the inequities. Providing pasteurized donor human milk for children covered by Medicaid is one way to address equity issues, so financial concerns don't stand in the way of babies receiving what they need to survive and thrive."

"For some mothers, breastfeeding may not be a feasible option. No matter what, that is OK. Where medically necessary, pasteurized donor human milk is available and covered through Medicaid," said DHS Special Advisor Sara Goulet. "Thanks to Owen's Law, we're able to provide this coverage in more cases and continue to assist all parents so they have the support they need and deserve to raise healthy babies."

Governor Josh Shapiro's administration is working with the state's two human milk banks to improve access and equity for donors and recipients.

According to the CDC, breastfeeding is important for babies because they get a boosted immune system, fewer ear, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, and reduces the risk for diabetes, obesity, some cancers, and Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome.