Milk banking as is practiced by the existing milk banks in the US is a not
for profit endeavor.  Ethically, this prevents exploitatin of the babies
whose mothers might otherwise be tempted to sell their milk.  Existing banks
are trying to make sure that govt. resources are available to help supply
funds to pay for milk, or that grants/other donations are solicited to
ensure that no baby is denied due to lack of ability to pay.

While I agree that human milk is an undervalued commodity, I would hate to
see it marketed as such.  I think that blood banking (and other tissue
donation models) present us with a better moral template.  Think of the
potential for abuse if kidneys were available for sale.

Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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