[Because I cannot send attachments to Lactnet, please send me an email at [log in to unmask] if you would like the draft form support letter and a copy of the bill sent to you]. We need letters from people and organizations both inside and outside of California! Attached to this email is AB2447, a bill pending in the California legislature, which will prevent hospitals and other health care professionals from distributing free formula samples to mothers and their babies without the mother's informed written consent that she understands the risks of formula feeding and the benefits of breastfeeding. Additionally, this legislation will prohibit hospitals and health care professionals from sharing information about mothers and their babies with formula manufacturers without the same informed, written consent from the mother. As you know, aggressive marketing by formula companies undermines a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding and promotes early supplementation, which can lead to breastfeeding difficulties or unintended weaning. The early introduction of formula and subsequent discontinuation of breastfeeding exposes an infant to an array of health risks throughout life. Please send your letter of support to The Honorable Jackie Goldberg, the assemblymember who introduced AB2447, and The Honorable Helen Thompson, the chairperson of the Health Committee that will hold a hearing on AB2447. Attached in Word format is a sample letter that you may edit and use with their contact information. Please cc me on any support letters you send so that I may keep a record. Please distribute this message as widely and broadly as possible. We are particularly in need of letters of support on behalf of organizations, as well as individuals. Warmly, Alexis M. Neely Alexis Martin Neely Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP 355 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90071 office: 213-683-9220 fax: 213-683-5120 Contact information for Assemblymembers: The Honorable Jackie Goldberg State Capitol, Room 5155 Sacramento, CA 95814 The Honorable Helen Thomson Chair, Assembly Health Committee State Capitol, Room 6005 P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0001 _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx *********************************************** 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