Lisa's post makes some very good points.  I do believe that we, breastfeeding
advocates, need to consider the future possibilities of what the infant
formula industry can do with these patents.  Her comments on the impact of
human milk banking are worthy of a great deal of attention.  I never thought
of this prospect but it makes perfect sense that these industries would be
out for an absolute monopoly.

I would strongly urge everyone to think about the value of making such a
public statement whether it only be symbolic.   Bringing this issue into the
light of public inquiry and debate is important.  The reason the infant
formula industry gets away with so much is that they have the money and power
to manipulate the media (very much like the early days of the tobacco
industry), the government, and the medical community.  If this became public
knowledge, it might drive a wedge into their ability to use their influence.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html