HF 4863

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/13/2024 12:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to health; appropriating money to Chosen Vessels Midwifery Services to
provide culturally relevant education and support on breastfeeding to African
American families.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; PROVIDING EDUCATION AND SUPPORT TO
AFRICAN AMERICAN MOTHERS ON BREASTFEEDING.
new text end

new text begin $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2025 from the general fund to the commissioner of
health to provide a grant to Chosen Vessels Midwifery Services for a program to provide
education, support, and encouragement for African American mothers to breastfeed their
infants for the first year of life or longer. African American infants are twice as likely to
die before their first birthday as compared to white infants. According to the CDC,
breastfeeding could decrease the African American infant mortality rate by as much as 50
percent. Chosen Vessel Midwifery Services shall combine the midwife model of care with
the cultural tradition of mutual aid to inspire African American women to breastfeed their
infants and to provide support to those that do. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2026.
new text end