Author: Melissa Prax

Melissa Prax is a freelance journalist who specializes in women’s and disability issues. She uses a variety of mediums to tell stories, including video, print and digital — with an empathetic, analytical approach. She previously worked at the Columbus, Ohio, public media station and Scripps-affiliate Newsy. She has a bachelor’s degree in public affairs journalism from the Ohio State University.
A New Bipartisan Senate Bill Is Taking Down Crib Bumpers: 'The Key Is Keeping Our Babies Safe'

New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Take Down Crib Bumpers: ‘The Key Is Keeping Our Babies Safe’

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced bipartisan legislation alongside Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) that would stop the production, distribution and sales of crib bumpers in the U.S. This legislation, called the Safe Cribs Act, is similar to a bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019. Duckworth anticipates the Safe Cribs Act will soon pass the Senate. 

“The regulations, the laws around these things have changed over the years, it’s hard for people to keep up with what they are,” Duckworth said. “But the key to all of this is just keeping our babies safe.”

The Future of Breastfeeding Is No Longer Over Toilets—Thanks to Sen. Duckworth's Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act

The Future of Breastfeeding Is No Longer Over Toilets—Thanks to Sen. Duckworth’s Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act

Nursing mothers need to pump regularly or they can be exposed to certain health risks, but U.S. airports have long lacked dedicated spaces for breastfeeding.

Fortunately, that will change with the recent passage of The Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, requires small airports to have designated lactation spaces by 2023.