ILCA Statement in Support of Black Families in the United States
by Lactationmatters on 2 June 2020
George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died face down and handcuffed, after being pinned down by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.
Among his last words were a call to his mother.
As mothers, and as those that support mothers and breastfeeding and chestfeeding families, we at ILCA join in mourning his death and this tragic loss. And we join in raising our voices against the systems of oppression in the United States that led to the loss of his life and so many others.
Starting with pregnancy and birth care and continuing throughout the lifespan of Black Americans, systemic racism affects every aspect of life, from housing to health care to criminal justice to education to employment.
We believe that access to maternal and infant health care, including lactation care – and opportunities to enter the profession – are fundamental to a just start in life. As Michael Lu, physician and Associate Administrator of Maternal and Child Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, says: “We can’t all be created equal if we can’t get an equal start in life.”
ILCA stands in support of efforts to dismantle systems of oppression in the United States.
ILCA stands in support of Black mothers and birthing people in the United States and celebrates their deep and loving care for their families, despite inadequate systems of support.
ILCA stands in support of Black lactation consultants in the United States, and celebrates their tireless care for their communities, despite inadequate systems of support.
ILCA calls on our members and partners to join us in standing in support of our community, and to advocate now for the change needed to ensure a just start in life for Black families.
Join in support of Black families
Would you or your organization like to sign on in support of Black families in the US and this statement? Complete the form on the ILCA website here.
