RESOLUTION                                                   84-6

INFANT FORMULA COMPLIANCE CAMPAIGN

WHEREAS through our baptism, we are called to be concerned for the wellbeing for all people, and

WHEREAS aggressive marketing of infant formula among the poor in both developed and developing countries has been linked to infant malnutrition which may lead to brain damage and other health problems, the resultant loss of infant life continues to scar the global village¹, and

WHEREAS recognizing that many transnational corporations “market infant formula products that are unnecessary and hazardous technology for the vast majority of women and infants”², and

WHEREAS understanding that improper bottle-feeding is responsible for 1 to 3 million infant deaths each year³, and

WHEREAS commending the International Nestle Boycott Committee, INFACT, and supportive individuals and organizations worldwide for having negotiated lifesaving changes in Nestle’s Infant Formula marketing practices⁴, and

WHEREAS the LSM-USA National Assembly in 1982 passed a resolution supporting the Nestle Boycott, and

WHEREAS complimenting Nestle for changing its marketing practices to substantial compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Mild substitutes⁵, and

WHEREAS believing that Nestle should not be penalized for adopting proper marketing practices as the U. S. Infant Formula companies attempt to aggressively and unethically increase their baby formula sales⁶, and

WHEREAS deploring the aggressive Infant Formula marketing being done by the U. S. Formula companies (Abbott Laboratories, American Home Products, Bristol Meyers) despite their pledges to fallow the International Code⁷, and

WHEREAS the Infant Formula Action demands that:

* Abbott Laboratories, American Home Products and Bristol Meyers each meet with the International Nestle Boycott Committee to discuss implementation of the International Code,

* each U. S. Infant Formula company develop specific code implementation plans at least as rigorous as Nestle’s plan,

* each U. S. Infant Formula company stop deceiving the public through elaborate public relations campaigns while actually violating the International Code,

* each U. S. Infant Formula company apply the International Code universally,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT members of the LSM-USA, in the spirit of love and concern for all God’s people, endorses this Infant Formula Compliance Campaign, and join the Infant Formula Action Coalition (INFACT) and other groups in their demands for universal adherence to the International Code, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the International and Ecumenical Relations Committee of the LSM-USA National Council compile as completely as possible a list of products and subsidiaries of the above-mentioned companies to be included in the post-assembly packet.

Sponsors:         VA Tech – Kelly Klutz

                        Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary – Jim Lancaster

                        University of Utah – Dan Eckhoff

                        Boston University – Kay-Marie Koop and Mindy Plumley

                        National SIC – Paul Erickson

                        National SEC – Pam Pearson

1. Resolution on Nestle Boycott: as passed by LSM-USA August 1982

2. Infant Formula Compliance Campaign Resolution: as proposed by the INFACT

3. Ibid

4. Ibid

5. Ibid

6. Ibid

7. Nestle Boycott – see 1

8. Compliance Campaign – see 2

Summary:  We feel that the unfair marketing of infant formula is detrimental to the health of infants worldwide.  Therefore, we support the demands of the INFACT and urge LSM-USA people nationwide to do the same.