On May 6, 2026, U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan,
The bill would strengthen nonprofit donor milk banking programs, improve public awareness around milk donation, support emergency donor milk supply needs, and help remove barriers preventing families from accessing donor milk through WIC programs.
The legislation comes at a critical time as awareness continues to grow around the life-saving role donor milk plays for premature and medically fragile infants.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, donor human milk is recommended for high-risk infants when a parent’s own milk is unavailable or insufficient. Donor milk has been shown to help reduce the risk of serious complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
The bill would:
- Allow WIC agencies to support donor milk collection and storage efforts
- Provide emergency funding to nonprofit milk banks during supply shortages
- Create a national donor milk awareness campaign through HRSA
- Direct the FDA to develop guidance and best practices for donor milk donation, processing, storage, and distribution
The legislation has received broad support from organizations including the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, March of Dimes, National WIC Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many others committed to maternal and infant health.
You can read the full congressional press release here:
Official Press Release from Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s Office
How You Can Help: Become a Milk Donor
At Mothers’ Milk Bank of Western Great Lakes, we see firsthand how donor milk changes lives for babies in NICUs and families facing medical challenges every day.
Human milk donors make it possible for vulnerable infants to receive safe, pasteurized donor milk when they need it most.
If you are currently breastfeeding or pumping and have extra milk, you may be able to become a donor.
Basic Milk Donor Requirements
Potential donors generally:
- Are in good health
- Have excess frozen breast milk
- Are willing to complete a health screening
- Take only approved medications and supplements
- Are not regularly using nicotine products or recreational drugs
The donation process includes:
- Completing a brief prescreening form
- Participating in a health interview
- Obtaining approval from your healthcare provider and your baby’s provider
- Completing a blood test at no cost to you
- Safely storing and donating your milk
Every ounce donated helps provide medically necessary nutrition to infants in hospitals and homes throughout our region.
To learn more or begin the donor screening process, visit:
Donate Milk – Mothers’ Milk Bank of Western Great Lakes
Together, donors, healthcare providers, advocates, and families are helping ensure that more babies have access to the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
