by Elisa Batista
As you all know, I and other members on the MomsRising team have
been fervently working to pass a bill in California that would help
eliminate the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic baby and
toddler products like bottles and sippy cups. I thought I would let you
know how the vote went on Friday.
It had already passed the Senate and was favored by the Assembly
35-32. Unfortunately, it did not garner the 41 votes necessary to clear
the Assembly. Here is how
individual Assemblymembers voted.
“California was poised to join Canada, Minnesota, Connecticut and
several other cities and counties in the United States that, with
significant bi-partisan support, have enacted bans on BPA in baby
bottles and other feeding products for children. ‘The science on BPA
clearly shows cause for alarm,’ said Senator Pavley. ‘Every child from
every community in our state deserves access to safe, affordable
products. I don’t understand how some lawmakers are willing to ignore
science and risk the health of California children.’
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an artificial hormone that is widely used in
shatter-proof plastic baby bottles, sippy cups and the lining of
formula cans. It leaches out of containers and into food and drink
consumed by babies and young children.
More than 220 peer-reviewed studies have linked BPA to a host of
health problems, including breast and prostrate cancer, infertility,
obesity, and neurological and behavioral changes, including autism and
hyperactivity.
Senator Pavley’s SB 797 was co-authored by Senator Carol Liu, D –
Pasadena, and was sponsored by Breast Cancer Fund, Environmental
Working Group and Physicians for Social Responsibility. The bill
received widespread support from health care professionals, business
owners and a long and diverse list of organizations including; Black
Women for Wellness, Latinas for Reproductive Justice, The Help Group
for Autism Spectrum Disorders, California Teachers Association,
California Nurses Association, Asian Health Services, and California
Women Infants and Children (WIC), SEIU, California Labor Federation,
and Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice to name a
few. The opponents include BPA manufacturers Dow and SABIC Innovative
Plastics, as well as infant formula makers Abbott, Mead Johnson, and
Nestle.”
I won’t lie. I am disappointed in the legislators who voted against
the bill and abstained from voting. But I am also extra determined to
fight for the bill when it comes up for reconsideration next year, and
to convince these legislators that California families with science on
our side are more powerful than corporate lobbyists. Will you join me?