In a major win for families across Arkansas, Governor Sarah Sanders has signed House Bill 1333 into law—now Act 627—requiring all insurers in the state, including Medicaid, to cover breastfeeding support and lactation consulting services. This critical step forward was made possible in part thanks to the advocacy of Arkansas Appleseed, which has worked tirelessly to advance policies that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
For decades, Arkansas has grappled with some of the nation’s highest maternal and infant mortality rates. Access to quality postpartum care—especially lactation support—has been uneven at best. But with the passage of Act 627, new mothers will now have the support they need to give their babies the best possible start.
The health benefits of breastfeeding are well-established: lower risks of infection and chronic disease for babies, and faster recovery and improved long-term health for mothers. Ensuring access to lactation consultants can be the difference between a struggling new parent and one who feels confident and supported. With this law, Arkansas becomes a model for how state policy can meet that need head-on.
The bill’s success was the result of a collaborative effort. Appleseed partnered with State Rep. Ashley Hudson, who sponsored the bill, and a bipartisan coalition of women legislators who championed it through the State Capitol. Their shared commitment to better health outcomes laid the groundwork for a rare moment of cross-party consensus—and a powerful reminder that good policy can still prevail.
Arkansas Appleseed’s role in this victory highlights the power of grassroots legal advocacy rooted in community need. It’s a testament to how the state-level advocacy Appleseed centers are engaged in are helping lead the way in crafting forward-thinking solutions that improve lives, one law at a time.
