As some of you may be aware, the Canadian Paediatric Society is
"co-sponsoring" a  program with Mead Johnson.  New mothers will receive a
delightful Peter Rabbit diaper bag, a "Questions and Answers" booklet
published by the CPS with info on BF, SIDS, immunization, etc, and "a
promotional package of Mead Johnson products".  Many Canadian physicians
have been angered by this marketing tactic and have so advised the CPS of
their shortsightedness.
        I received my response this week.  The gist of their letter is "Mead
is indeed sponsoring the program... our involvement in no way endorses
Mead's products, or suggests formula-feeding over
breastfeeding."...Advocating for children involves providing their parents
with the best information available, without the support of a corporation,
we certainly would not be able to reach this many new mothers at no cost to
either the CPS or the moms"

        How can a society like this glibly write that this endeavor does not
imply endorsement of any product?

        One thing is clear in the letter though -- they are upfront that
this is about money.

        I would urge All Canadians to respond to the CPS and their "First
Visit" program with a reality check -- no matter what the CPS feels,
endorsement is implied, and in some areas, it's not worth the money.

Their address is"

        Canadian Paediatric Society
        401 Smyth, Ottawa, ON
        K1H 8L1

Att:  Victor Marchessault, MD, FRCPC
Executive Vice President


Tel:  (613) 737-2728
Fax:  (613) 737-2794
http://www.cps.ca

Barbara Whelan
                                       Barbara Whelan, M. D.
                                       London, Ontario, Canada
                                       [log in to unmask]