A representative of the state House is proposing standards for human milk banks in Michigan.

WOOD-TV 8 reports Democratic Rep. Erika Geiss held a press conference on Thursday to discuss creating and regulating human milk banks to help nourish premature babies.

 “Multiple studies show that feeding breast milk to premature infants, whether from their mother or another source, has significant short- and long-term benefits. Many mothers are unaware that donated breast milk is an option. I introduced this bill to help premature babies recover and also raise awareness of this critical issue.” -Geiss 

Reports show that Michigan's mortality rate is at 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is the highest in the nation. Numbers rise to 15.3 deaths per 1,000 in areas such as Detroit and Saginaw.

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