FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Contact: Emmanuel Brantley| ebrantley@dccouncil.us
Councilmember Pinto Introduces Legislation to Open Public Restrooms to Individuals with Eligible Medical Conditions
Washington, D.C. – This week, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced legislation that would provide an individual with an eligible medical condition (inflammatory bowel diseases or pregnancy) with the right to use a public or employee toilet facility at a retail establishment under certain limited conditions.
The Medical Necessity Restroom Act of 2020 will require the District Department of Health to develop a standard identification card to be used by an individual with an eligible medical condition for toilet facility access and to make the identification card available to the public on the Department of Health's website. This bill would help those District residents (about 1.3% of adults in the United States) who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), who often need sudden and urgent access to a toilet facility. IBD is an ongoing autoimmune disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that causes swelling of the intestines, intense pain, and diarrhea. The condition makes it difficult for IBD sufferers to lead a full life and be out of their house or workplace. The bill also provides toilet facility access to pregnant women.
“Seemingly ordinary experiences like spending the day walking around the city, running an errand, or visiting with family and friends can seem impossible for those who face these medical conditions and need sudden and urgent access to restrooms,” said Councilmember Pinto. “I’m proud to introduce the Medical Necessity Restroom Act of 2020 to support our residents dealing with medical conditions that require immediate access to a restroom which will provide the support and reassurance needed in order to live life fully outside of the home and enjoy all the amenities our great city has to offer.”
As introduced, the bill would provide access to toilet facilities located within retail and commercial establishments under the following conditions:
The Council of the District of Columbia will convene for its next legislative meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. For more information on the agenda and upcoming public hearings, please visit www.dccouncil.us/events/.
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