Dear all I didn't mean to create even more havoc over the Cervidil mail out. Actually I think it is good that we care enough to talk about these things. I want a viable ACMI and so I'm trying to be pragmatic about the whole issue although I admit I cringe when I read about the Johnson and Johnson midwife of the year awards. But if we want an award then perhaps this is what we have to do.
I too resent constant bombardment with ads especially those sponsored by drug companies with a billion dollar budget to persuade us that their products are essential for the well-being of women. I too am appalled at how the drug companies 'get' at the medicos. I think the issues are a bit different though. Medicos are offered substantial perks ie holidays in Broome, free trips for them and their partners, free drugs etc from the companies. The ACMI is paid for a service it provides - there are no other inducements. The ACMI can't pick and choose the products - there aren't enough requests for ads etc. that don't contravene WHO codes etc for it to do this. Actually it is really hard work to get anyone to place an ad in our journal. But, the ACMI has no choice - if the journal is to survive at the cost we now have it at, we must accept ads! If we have to have them I'd prefer Cervidil to one sponsored by Nike, Nestle or a dummy manufacturer. The ACMI never gives out our addresses (including addressed labels) to any other organization. Mail outs are a cost-effective (and common) practice in that it makes a bit of profit relatively easily. Sadly all not-for-profit organizations including the ACMI need multiple sources of funds if they are too avoid putting up membership fees any higher and incurring even greater wrath from members. I'm sure that if a more 'natural' company wanted a mail out the ACMI would agree. Sadly these companies (and women's own bodies) don't have big budgets or big profits & so can't afford to follow the same practices. It is unfair to say the ACMI is touting products like Cervidil. If it did then it would publish material saying that the ACMI recommends this product to the exclusion of all others. If we wanted to publish an article critiquing the efficacy and safety of Cervidil etc the ACMI wouldn't censor it. Carol -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
