Aeroflow launches petition

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - There's been plenty of discussion recently about what the repeal of the Affordable Care Act could mean for healthcare consumers, but Aeroflow Healthcare is doing more than just talking.

The DME provider has launched an online petition to keep breastfeeding support—mandated since 2010 through the ACA—as a women's preventive benefit.

In less than three weeks, the petition garnered more than 11,300 signatures. For Aeroflow, which operates a Mom & Baby division specializing in breastfeeding and lactation support services, the petition aims to inform others about the breastfeeding benefits that are currently available but could be lost if the law is repealed.

Under the ACA, most health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling and supplies. Employers also are required to provide break time and designated space for breastfeeding mothers.

“Moms may think these benefits are a given, but they're not,” said Jennifer Jordan, director of Aeroflow's Mom & Baby division. “Not only do they get support, but they are guaranteed a place to pump.”

When the Trump administration announced its intention to repeal the ACA, Aeroflow social media associate Meghan Bausone worried that many women would lose critical preventive health benefits. That prompted her to start the petition at www.change.org.

“It's part of Aeroflow's business, but we can't ignore all the moms who could be without this benefit,” said Bausone, noting that Aeroflow has served hundreds of thousands of breastfeeding mothers. “Women can face a lot of challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. We want to make sure all moms have the resources they need.”