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Subject:
From:
Cathy Liles <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 19 Aug 2002 12:12:33 -0500
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It is difficult to understand the rationale behind the recent sponsorship of the new AAP book on breastfeeding by an infant formula manufacturer.

Abbott/Ross is a corporation whose fiduciary responsibilities are to maximize profits for their stockholders. They only spend money if they expect it to increase profits. They make money when breastfeeding fails. Therefore, they have a vested commercial interest in breastfeeding failure.

By allowing Abbott/Ross to distribute the AAP booklet with their name on it implies endorsement of their products by the AAP- this is called endorsement by association. It is a very effective marketing strategy. In exchange for their money, the AAP is allowing themselves to be linked with the formula manufacturer- this is called manipulation by assistance. It is another very effective marketing strategy. They are not supporting the AAP or breastfeeding; they are using the AAP to promote their products and increase sales and profits! Abbott/Ross is so smart.

Since no one can take advantage of an entity without their permission, what is in this for the AAP?  Well, let&#8217;s begin with money- lots of it, and it is not just the sale of the books which is negligible, it is the sponsorship of meetings, advertising in professional publications, free office handouts and the list goes on and on.

We must then ask, if the purpose of Abbott/Ross is to make money (profit), then what is the purpose of the AAP? According to their web-site, "The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. To this purpose, the AAP and its members dedicate their efforts and resources."

Aligning themselves with a corporation who has a vested commercial interest in breastfeeding failure and therefore the failure of attainment of optimal health for the majority of the children in this nation, seems illogical. It leads one to wonder whether the AAP (or its members)has a vested commercial interest in the ill health of infants, children, adolescents and young adults related to the use of infant formula. Cathy Liles

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