“It is shocking, disgraceful and flat-out wrong that the Trump administration put corporate interests ahead of the health and well-being of babies and mothers at the World Health Assembly meeting. Those working to promote breastfeeding deserve praise and support, not to be bullied and undermined. 

“The Trump administration’s constant attacks on children’s health and safety are relentless, unprecedented and inexcusable. Just in the past few weeks, the administration and its allies have separated asylum-seeking parents from their children; tried to cut SNAP (formerly called food stamps) even though 1 in 4 children in our nation live in food-insecure households; and disgraced our country with its baseless opposition to breastfeeding, which doctors universally say is best for babies and moms. 

“In fact, breastmilk helps protect babies from illness and helps a mother’s health and healing following childbirth. It leads to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and certain types of breast and ovarian cancer. And breastfeeding isn’t just good for moms and babies; it’s also good for our country’s physical and economic health. Recent studies have shown if mothers could meet current medical recommendations for breastfeeding, we would save nearly $13 billion per year in pediatric health costs and premature deaths. 

“There is simply no excuse for the Trump administration’s actions – for siding with the multi-billion-dollar baby food industry over the world’s moms and babies. MomsRising members thought it was shameful that our country opposed breastfeeding and that the administration tried to remove language asking governments to protect, promote and support it. We will continue speaking out against these cruel actions and using the power of our votes to change those who hold elected office. Opposing breastfeeding and attacking moms, children and families damages our economy and our country. We can, and must, do better.”