Thank you all for your responses. I found them very beneficial. They broaden 
my understanding of this issue. Below I am including summary of my findings 
based on the suggested web sites.

Marian Tompson, one of the founders of La Leche League collected a 
database of HIV-positive mothers who were breastfeeding their children. “In 
each case, when the issue was examined closely, the benefits of 
breastfeeding outweighed any potential for harm”. (Gerhard)

“International Lactation Consultant Association ILCA affirms the importance of 
human rights law and principles as the basis for sound policies related to HIV 
prevention and treatment and infant feeding. These rights, which are not 
reduced by a person’s age, gender, economic status, schooling, marital 
status, sexual orientation, reproductive status, or HIV status, are understood 
to include:
… - Every mother has a right to full and objective information on all infant 
feeding options, in a form she can understand and apply in her own situation.
 - Every mother has a right to protection from coercion, stigma, and 
commercial influences in making her own decisions about infant and young 
child feeding.” (Document Approved by the ILCA Board of Directors).

Kent, in his article Infant Feeding and Human Rights concluded “ There is no 
basis in science, law, national or global policy, or human rights to justify 
coercion of HIV+ women with regard to their choice of infant feeding methods.”

References

Gerhard S. Is Breast Still Best? Mothering, 07333013, (Sep/Oct2001), Issue   
108 Retrieved October 4, 2007 from Database: Health Source - Consumer 
Edition, http:// cc.ivytech.edu

International Lactation Consultant Association ILCA (July, 2006) Retrieved 
October 4, 2007 from http://www.anotherlook.org/recommendations.php

Kent G., PhD, University of Hawai’i HIV/AIDS, Infant Feeding and Human Rights 
Retrieved October 4, 2007 from electronic page 
http://www.anotherlook.org/presentations.php

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