Saudi Arabia: Ban on Baby Formula Advertising
Sunday May 25, 2008
According to the Arab News newspaper, Saudi Arabia will begin implementing a new law which bans the advertisement of baby milk, food substitutes, baby bottles, and pacifiers. The Ministries of Health and Commerce will enforce the new law, which is designed to encourage new mothers to breastfeed their infants.
Islam encourages the natural feeding of infants from the mother's breastmilk. The Qur'an specifically mentions a weaning period of two full years, for those who wish to breastfeed. The special bond created by breastfeeding a child is also recognized under Islamic law: two unrelated children who are breastfed by the same mother are considered to be "milk siblings" with applicable rights.
Saudi Arabia's new law does not limit a mother's choice to use alternative milk products if she chooses. Various brands of infant formula are available within the country and will continue to be. The ban is on the advertisement of alternative products, including an end to the distribution of free samples at hospitals and clinics.
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Comments
Yes, Its scientifically proved also that’s its good for mother and for baby also. Even breastfeeding is very helpfull in avoiding breast cancer.
thewolf, you seem to be grasping at straws. You’ve told us what Craig Winn thinks. You’ve told us what Winston Churchill said. Now would you be kind enough to give us your very own unique opinion? You’re being spoon-fed all these ideas. It’s time you stood up and made your own statement, which is NOT based on somebody else’s sentiments.
Breastfeeding has been applauded all over the world. Either you’re in utter denial or you’re just looking for an excuse to argue over religion. You will find on most well-known brands of baby formula a reminder that there is no real substitute to breasfeeding. Why pick on Islam when this is actually the view of most of the scientific community as well?
Maybe it’s because you are yet to be shown the light…
True, W; there is no real substitute for breastfeeding. At the end of every baby formula commercial in my country, there’s always the line: “Breastmilk is still best for babies up to 2 years.”