Hello!   I am very sorry to report that AB 2447 failed to make it out of
the Health Committee in the California State Assembly.  This bill was
introduced by Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg and its purpose was to rid
California of free formula samples to pregnant and nursing mothers
prenatally and at hospital discharge.

We waited until nearly 10 o'clock at night to be heard.  Ms. Goldberg gave
a compelling overview of the bill, going through a discharge pack in front
of the twenty committee members.  Three of us, including Dr. Bruce Smith
(Pediatrician) and Laura Ortiz, IBCLC  gave thoughtful two minute
presentations.

I was quite stunned to then sit there listening to most all of the
politicians express their opinions on what a silly idea this was.  One
woman said she thought the bag was cute.  Another said she suffered from
post partum depression and was quite happy to have her spouse feed her baby
a bottle of formula once a day so she could get away from her baby.  A
black man said that most of the black women in his district did want to
breastfeed and that we should back off.  Another woman said she was happy
that her daughter got the formula gift so that her grandbaby could receive
the formula at two months of age.  The issue of "womens'choice" was brought
up over and over.  They refused to believe that the formula industry gives
kickbacks to hospitals.   They dismissed the ten studies that have shown
the association of premature weaning and partial breastfeeding as a result
of these gifts. (Seemingly dumb democrats and ridiculous republicans!)

Many organizations gave their support including ACOG, AAP, WIC, and CNM's.

The two major formula companies opposed as well as a California hospital
association.  The committee seemed quite happy to hear their testimony.

When it was all over, a very teary Ms.  Huggins just wanted to drive home
and I did; six long hours to get to safer ground.  I need to be home and
try to forget about this very disappointing loss.  Tomorrow I will go back
to my safe "Baby Friendly" hospital clinic.

I was so hoping this could be the beginning of something wonderful.



Kathleen Huggins

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