President Trump on Oct. 5 signed into law H.R. 302, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, which includes provisions from H.R. 2375, the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act, introduced by Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) in May 2017.

The FAM Act passed the House of Representatives as part of the FAA Reauthorization bill in April and companion legislation was introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

The FAM Act directs large and medium hub airports to maintain a “lactation area” in each passenger terminal to provide a private and hygienic location for mothers to breastfeed their children.

“Lactation areas” must meet five requirements: (1) is shielded from view and free from intrusion from the public; (2) has a door that can be locked; (3) includes a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet; (4) is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (5) is not located in a restroom.

“The FAM Act will provide critically needed support to our mothers on the go,” Knight said.

“Air travel is often seen as a barrier for many new mothers. This can depress their ability to participate in the workforce, visit family and friends, or any other reason they may need to travel by air,” he said.

“By reducing this barrier, we’ll allow moms around the country to travel without having to worry about finding a safe and hygienic place to care for their children,” Knight said. “I’d like to thank Senator Duckworth for her crucial help in advocating for this bill and I look forward to continue supporting policies that help everyday American families.”

“This bipartisan bill will help moms and their children find clean and accessible spaces to express breastmilk during travel,” Duckworth said.

“Breastfeeding has long-lasting health benefits that protect mothers and children from illnesses, and I’m pleased to have worked with Congressman Knight to help this legislation become law,” she said.

The Friendly Airports for Mothers Act is endorsed by the U.S. Breastfeeding Coalition, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the National Military Family Association, the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Infant Nutrition Council of America, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Association of Flight Attendants, the Association of Women’s Health, and Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.