On 23/05/2007, at 10:20, Lara wrote:

> I'm interested to know if there is any transparency in the IBMP  
> process, specifically:
>
> - What exact proportion of donated milk so far (to May, 2007) has  
> been shipped to Africa and provided free to children who require it
> -  What proportion of donated milk has been or will be sold for  
> profit within the USA

OK, I'm putting together some answers, thanks to the Lactivist and  
Mothering.

The IBMP has committed to 5000 ounces every six months - just enough  
to feed one baby at a time.

Prolacta appears, at this stage, to be selling the rest within the  
USA. A quote from Adrianna, [log in to unmask], as quoted in the  
Mothering.com forum:

"In concept, we decided that any milk received over and above our set  
goals would be used for
premature infants here in the United States, by Prolacta Bioscience.  
[Snip Marketing Spiel] The
human milk formulations are sold to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in  
hospitals [SMS] The idea behind retaining any milk above and beyond  
our set goals, is that the proceeds received from our human milk  
formulations help offset the cost of continuing to sponsor Jill's  
program."

If this is an accurate quote, I see absolutely nothing altruistic or  
charitable about Prolacta's involvement. On the contrary, this  
appears at this point to be a charitable veneer for commercial  
activity, and one that is blatantly misleading and exploitative in  
its marketing to breastfeeding women. Not only does it mislead the  
donors, but it is exploiting the image of sick black babies in order  
to obtain milk for sale.

I hope there is a mistake somewhere in this, because right now, I'm  
disgusted. I await further clarification.

Lara Hopkins

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