Kathy you are not the only one who got upset with the cavalier attitude of formula risk, in particular the recent HIV case, but also in our culture in general. If anyone had even dared mention to me that formula and breast milk were different, I would have probably nursed my first two children longer. Had I known the risks I was taking with #2, setting off a life of allergies and compromised immune system, I would have nursed until she weaned rather than weaning simply for social reasons. Both of my formula children were switched to different formulas because of allergy problems - it should have been a red flag for me - but then the doctors were telling me, people aren't allergic to food. Go figure that - and I was not thinking clearly enough to realize how stupid that was. That is why I my last two were breastfed until they weaned inspite of all comments, obstacles and non-supportive medical persons, as I knew the risks. Your statement is one I try to emphasize as the greatest risk of formula use - you can't tell beforehand if your child will do ok on formula, have some problems (like mine) or develop a serious (life threatening) condition. And these things do happen even in 1999 and even in the US. I sent a note privately to a fellow LactNetter that the cynic in me feels that the main reason we do not see the tragic outcomes of formula use is that when a major disaster happens, the formula manufacturers move in quickly with the big bucks given on the guarantee of silence. My only other question is, has anyone mentioned donor milk to the Oregon family - so that mom can get what she wants (human milk for her baby) and the state can get what they want (mom not breastfeeding)? Just another angle for this sad case. Leslie Ward Vine Grove, KY *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html