AAP Severs Ties with Formula Industry

Press Release
4/1/2009

American Academy of Pediatrics-For Immediate Release

Dr. David T. Tayloe, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics
which represents 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical
subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists has announced that it
is severing all ties with the infant formula industry.

"This method of feeding substitution has harmed millions of children
both in America and throughout the world and we pediatricians can no
longer continue our relationship with the manufacturers of infant
formula." said Dr. Tayloe, who assumed the post of AAP President in
October of 2008..

"Our alliance with the pharmaceutical industry is unethical. Our
accepting millions of dollars and continuing to allow these business
people to influence our policies while sponsoring our speakers,
conferences and conventions is an ongoing embarrassment and we will end
this ethical problem right now."

"Further, I would like to apologize for our past mistakes involving the
breastfeeding advertisement campaign and allowing the maker of Similac
infant formula to print its corporate logo on the cover of a special
edition of the academy's book on breastfeeding."

"Again, I can cannot express enough regret and can assure you that the
AAP will immediately seek compliance with the WHO Code and will promote
the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative."

Sincerely,


David T. Tayloe, MD, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics
April 1, 2009

The above press release was an April Fool's joke that was mass emailed to La Leche League Leaders today.