A Statement from the La Leche League International Board of Directors and Executive Director

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La Leche League International (LLLI) mourns the devastating deaths that result from racism across the world and the lived experience of systematic racism. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery in the USA, Kumanjayi Walker in Australia, Mido Macia in South Africa, Belly Mujina in the UK, Anderson Arboleda in Columbia and so many others before them are a haunting reminder of the prejudice and discrimination that remain deeply entrenched in so many parts of our world today.

Racism is a public health crisis.

Recognizing the structural forces that perpetuate racism and race-based disparities in health care, specifically as they relate to maternal and infant health, La Leche League (LLL) volunteer breastfeeding counselors are working around the world to improve positive health outcomes for those with a lived experience of oppression and injustice.

LLLI is committed to the uncomfortable and long term work of dismantling structural racism by recognizing and addressing historical and current racism within La Leche League. We stand accountable for the pain that has occurred as a result of racism in our organization. We call on our partner organizations to join our thousands of volunteers in offering skilled breastfeeding support to families everywhere who do not have the privilege of looking away from the fear, the trauma, and the grief.

We stand in solidarity with all organizations working to end oppression and racism.

• • The LLLI Board is committed to equity and diversity training.
  • In addition to its Inclusivity Statement, the LLLI Board is working to implement an Equity and Inclusion policy and procedures.
  • LLLI supports our entities and Leaders to continue to draw attention to ways to eliminate racial disparities.
  • LLLI has co-signed the International Lactation Consultant Association’s (ILCA) Statement in Support of Black Families in the United States.
    You can read it here https://lactationmatters.org/2020/06/02/ilca-statement-in-support-of-black-families-in-the-united-states/

La Leche League international supports the international effort to affirm the humanity of all black people. La Leche League International is not an agent or partner, nor legally affiliated to the Black Lives Matter Global Foundation.