On behalf of the listmothers as a group -
This topic has been important to discuss.  We don't all see it exactly the
same way.  We do not want to squelch necessary discussions about patents,
nor equally necessary ones about ethics of practice.  At the same time we
see that this discussion has the potential to distract from the focus of the
list (helping mothers to breastfeed) unless we exercise self-discipline.

First, thanks to Valerie McClain for raising the topic.  And thanks to Ann
Calandro who has been forwarding JoAnne Scott's messages.  From what JoAnne
says, it seems that despite the varied opinions about the legitimacy of
patenting components of breastmilk, the IBLCE was not thinking of this
specifically when they wrote this tenet, and that the people on the board
may be as repelled as anyone by the idea of patenting such things.  Or they
may not, but I am reassured that no one will be considered in violation of
the IBCLC code of ethics for opposing the patentability of things that were
never meant to be owned or sold for profit.  If someone later comes up with
a different version, we can refer to the posts in our archives to which
anyone with a computer has access, as proof that the IBLCE didn't mean it
that way.

Beyond that, it seems that further reiterations about what the wording might
mean, are getting dangerously close to beating a dead horse.  So unless your
post represents something completely innovative and new in this discussion,
consider sending it off the list to the people you suspect are most
interested.  Lactnet isn't primarily a site to do caucusing in relation to a
specific organization, but you can find people on Lactnet to caucus with off
the list!

If you wish to make your view known to IBLCE, then contact the IBLCE.  We
are sure many of you will be doing just that.  There may be a need to do
some editing or some more drastic revision, and we think all of us have been
reminded that things are never just simple rubber stamp issues in any good
organization.  Semantics are important.

Kathleen Bruce
Karleen Gribble
Kathy Koch
Rachel Myr
Melissa Vickers
Karen Zeretzke

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