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Subject:
From:
Leila Marcial <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 23 Dec 1998 08:37:32 -0800
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Here is the conclusion to my ethics paper.  In the rest of the paper I
discussed the benefits of BF to  immune system maturation, and
protective qualities of BF to the baby from opportunistic infections.
Also, the nutritional qualities, social benefits, maternla benefits.
I put into question the ethics of formula ditribtution, etc....  This
is all information that everyone here on LactNet has and knows,
besides it was 7 pages long....................

CONCLUSION
      Being that formula companies have been involved in this
decision-making, we need to remember that their interests lie not in
infant health, but in promoting their much inferior products.  the end
means of which = MORE profits for them  It is in my opinion very
unethical for the infant formula companies to have been involved int
he deliberations concerning this policy, this needs to be looked at
more closely by ethicists.  Infant formula contributes nothing to
immune system maturation, and by its very nature can be destructive to
a maturing immune system.  Thereby contributing to poor health,
prejudicial to a possibly HIV+ child.  Health is a "fundamental good".
 Distribution does not encourage the "right and healing action"
either, a way to deal with the problem is more ethical, this is only
treating the symptoms.

      Use of formula would create a financial burden on a family in
the Third World, o they may not have access to obtain replenishment of
it in a timely way.  As often happens in developing countries, the
ystem controlling the distribution may be corrupt, disorganised,
haphazard, or inaccessible to those who live far from a major
poplulation area.  The families may try to stretch out the product or
offer an even more inferiot substitute it this is the case.  Funds to
purchase the infant formula may "dry up". the formula companies may
even reach the decision to no longer "donate their product"  (if this
is done).   Without any breastfeeding available, the situation becomes
even more hazardous for these children.

      We need to remember that children are our most vulnerable and
fragile beings, we are supposed to be protecting them.  Another
thought ... the infant formula companies are not doing this in an
empathetic way, this is not a desire to share their gifts with other
persons.  It is profit, that is the bottom line.  Infant formula is
not the solution to the problem of HIV/AIDS, more babies/children may
die as a result of this new policy/decision.

      I inlcuded a quote from Pamela Morrison, IBCLC here......  (with
2 add-ins in () ).
       "While formulating an opinion, imagine a woman living in a
little hut somewhere, who cooks on a wood fir, with no electricity, no
running water, no fridge.  Or she may live in a little one-roomed
wooden/tin shack in a city and she might have the water and
elcectricity, but the least expensive ABM may cost 63%
(to 257%) of the minimum wage, and she has other children to feed and
buy clothing for ..so ... stretching out the formula with water (and
gruel) may seem attractive to families ...  who are poor ..."
(19)

I want to thank my LactNet friends for sending me suggestions on how
to "tie this together" and on how to do the format of the paper.
                     Leila Elena Marcial, RN/CCE
        who had her ears pierced at  the tender age of 2 weeks old by
her Aunts in Puerto Rico.
                     a budding medical ethicist........






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