Officials in Massachusetts are debating whether to ban handouts of formula to new mothers:
Backers of the ban say the formula gifts discourage new mothers from breast-feeding. Formula manufacturers call the ban unnecessary and doubt ending the decades-old custom would lead to a rise in the number of mothers who breast-feed.Romney, who is weighing a bid for the White House in 2008, said mothers know what’s best for their babies, not lawmakers, and women can decide whether to use the gifts.
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{ 3 comments }
I’m an MD who also in in a law degree program.
I just returned from a major law convention.
You should see all the cups, pens, and other free stuff I got from law vendors.
I also recently read that the principal Israeli lobby yearly sends well over 100 of our congressmen on free trips to Israel.
Banning free formula for new moms? Get real!
HI,
I worked for almost 20 years as a pharmaceutical rep and was well acquainted w/ colleagues who were part of the “baby formula” wars at the local hospitals. I remember one large community hospital in my territory that simply alternated the business at the hospital. One year the formulary would go to Ross, the next Mead-Johnson. Product was essentially considered the same and both prices were identical bid-wise (not sure how that was achieved but I didn’t sell the product). Feast or famine for the rep and their territory depending on whether it was “your uear” to be on formulary. Of course, new moms went home with the “annual formula”s” samples and coupons. KH (VA)
I breast fed my youngest child. Sending me home with free formula did not make my decision for me in any way. Women are, for the most part, smart enough to make their own choices. It’s nice to have a backup can of formula for emergencies or they can always donate it to someone who needs it. Too much fuss over something mundane..
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