LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 3, 2025) — Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) recently introduced a bill package to strengthen Michigan’s standards for hospitals, human milk banks, and companies that process and distribute human breast milk in Michigan. When handled and stored improperly, human milk can become unsafe in numerous ways, posing serious health risks to infants who depend on its life-saving benefits.
Senate Bills 724–726 would establish standards in line with the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, which sets the guidelines for the prohibition of the distribution of unsafe human milk, including milk that is adulterated, improperly pasteurized, or contaminated. They also permit Medicaid reimbursement for families who receive a prescription for donated breast milk for children up to two years of age.
“As many families rely on donor milk to support infant health, it is critical that the milk is handled safely and responsibly, while balancing the availability of milk to ensure families in need have access to this critical source of nutrition and development,” said Sen. Geiss, lead sponsor of the bill package. “By implementing enforceable standards and accountability measures, these bills help ensure infants receive safe and reliable nutrition when their mother is unable to provide milk.
“Every baby deserves the healthiest start possible, regardless of where they live or their family circumstances. Donor milk can be lifesaving for infants who are medically fragile or whose parents cannot provide enough milk. By establishing strong safety standards and expanding coverage so cost is not a barrier, this legislation helps ensure that all Michigan babies have equitable access to the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.”
“Protecting infants means ensuring donor milk is both safe and accessible. This bill strengthens the safeguards around how milk is handled without disrupting the community-based and peer-to-peer sharing traditions that have supported families for generations,” said Kiddada Green, Founding Executive Director of Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association. “When we enhance safety while preserving access, Michigan’s babies and the parents who nourish them, are better protected.”
This legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services where it awaits deliberation.