Tammy Duckworth Becomes First U.S. Senator To Give Birth While In Office

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    Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., gave birth to a daughter, Maile Pearl Bowlsbey, becoming the first sitting senator to have a baby while in office. Maile was born on Monday at 7:07 a.m. at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., a spokesman for her office said.

    Duckworth is one of only 10 women in the history of the nation to give birth while in Congress, with the other babies born to members serving in the House.

    “Parenthood isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s an economic issue and one that affects all parents — men and women alike,” Duckworth said in a statement announcing the birth. “As tough as juggling the demands of motherhood and being a Senator can be, I’m hardly alone or unique as a working parent, and my children only make me more committed to doing my job and standing up for hardworking families everywhere.”

    Duckworth had her first child in 2014, when she was serving in the House of Representatives.

    “Bryan, Abigail and I couldn’t be happier to welcome little Maile Pearl as the newest addition to our family and we’re deeply honored that our good friend Senator Akaka was able to bless her name for us — his help in naming both of our daughters means he will always be with us,” Duckworth said in a statement. “Pearl Bowlsbey Johnson was Bryan’s great Aunt, an Army Officer and a nurse who served during the Second World War. He spent many summer months with her while growing up, we feel her presence still and are grateful for her service to our nation during the most challenging of times.

    “We’re also so grateful for the love and support of our friends and family, as well as our wonderful medical teams for everything they’ve done to help us in our decades-long journey to complete our family,” she added.