This week, Governor Cuomo announced the passage of legislation for the 2019 budget that ensures equal access to diaper changing stations for both men and women.
As a part of a continued effort from the 2018 Women’s Agenda, a new policy in New York State will require that all new or renovated buildings provide baby changing tables to both men and women in public restrooms. This legislation forms a part of Governor Cuomo’s continued effort to support equal parenting throughout the state.
According to the Governor’s website, until now, NYS law has not required any form of publicly accessible restrooms to be equipped with changing tables. This has led to the struggle of many parents of young children to find a safe, sanitary place to change their child’s diaper. When these tables do make an appearance, they are typically only available in only women’s restrooms making it difficult for male caretakers to tend to their child’s… needs.
All parents deserve a clean, safe space to take care of their baby’s needs.
We’re ensuring equal access to these amenities so all New Yorkers can give their children the care they need at this critical stage of their lives. pic.twitter.com/WW0lDZK104
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 5, 2018
“This legislation supports our efforts to make New York the nation’s model for working parents and helps make it a stronger, fairer and more equal state for all,” Cuomo said in a statement.
In addition to baby changing stations, the new legislation requires certain state buildings that are open to the public to have lactation rooms for nursing mothers as well.
Featured image: Pixabay