Testimony of Geoff Wilkinson

Dear Rep. Koutoujian,

I am writing on behalf of the Massachusetts Public Health Association in opposition to H.2257, An Act Relative to Maternity Patients' Rights. The bill, which lay readers might consider a benign measure to ensure access to information about infant feeding formula, actually constitutes a threat to maternal and child health and could exacerbate health disparities in the Commonwealth.

The bill states that iron-fortified infant formula is a safe and recommended alternative to breast milk within the first twelve months of life. This is misleading at best. Medical authorities agree that breast milk is the healthiest and preferred feeding option for infants. Infant formula is recommended only when breast milk is not available or when there is some medical reason not to breast feed. The scientific literature is compelling on this matter, and the General Court should not pass contradictory legislation.

Studies also show that commercial products and information about breastfeeding supplied by formula companies result in lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly among less educated women. The practical implication of passing H.2257, then, would be to undermine the health of infants of these mothers and to promote an unintended increase in health disparities.

This legislation recalls the bitter fight in Massachusetts over Department of Public Health regulations regarding distribution of infant feeding formula samples and marketing materials in hospitals. Former Governor Romney manipulated state policy with craven disregard for scientific evidence, even replacing members of the Public Health Council to overturn existing policy. We are convinced that H.2257 is designed to protect industry marketing rights at the expense of public health and that the bill would undermine the Department of Public Health's regulatory authority. Since the new administration has already taken action to reverse Gov. Romney's ill-begotten policy, it would be tragically ironic for the public health committee to report this bill favorably.

We respectfully urge that you promote evidence-based public health policy by rejecting H. 2257 in committee. The General Court should refuse to give the infant formula industry preferential treatment and should do no harm to the promotion of breastfeeding as the healthiest course for infants and their mothers. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Geoff Wilkinson, Executive Director
Massachusetts Public Health Association
434 Jamaicaway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Website: www.mphaweb.org