Diaper changing stations traditionally were placed only in women’s bathrooms, and Alexandra Johnson, a mother of two from Snoqualmie, thinks that should change.
“What are the implications for our children when they see that mom is the only one providing care?” Johnson asked.
Johnson made her comments in testimony as the state Legislature considers House Bill 2052, which would require changing stations in all new or renovated public bathrooms, regardless of gender.
“This legislation does two things: It creates more access to safe and sanitary changing stations and then it also creates that access to everyone and anyone who needs to change a diaper,” said Lisa Callan, D-Issaquah, the bill’s sponsor.
“The passage of this bill would mean a more equal partnership of childcare responsibilities across genders in public,” Johnson said.
Johnson explained that during family outings, she often took charge of diaper changing, not because her husband was not willing, but because other options did not exist.