More Changing Stations Now Available in Men's Rooms

President Obama signed the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act (also called the BABIES Act) this month, giving men the chance to be more active in parenting. The main focus of the bill was that it "requires diaper-changing facilities in male and female restrooms in public federal buildings, such as Social Security offices, courthouses and post offices. If these restrooms do not have changing tables, hallway signs must direct parents to the nearest facilities," according to Hailey Middlebook's article on CNN.

Health and safety concerns are a major reason for this bill, which passed the House in September 389-34. Rep. David Cicilline- who proposed the bill- said concerning the access, "[it] is essential to protecting the health and safety of children and encouraging a family friendly environment."

Having equal access to changing stations for both men and women is a small but important step toward gender equality, especially in the realm of parenting. Historically, changing stations have been mainly in women's restrooms because women were usually the primary caregivers for children. Having changing stations available for men to use not only makes it easier for men to participate in parenting, but it also generates a conversation between spouses/partners, between parents and children, and between men and other men about active parenting and what it is to be a parent. Yes, this is a small step, but in the path toward gender equality, it's a great one to be made.