U.S. unexpectedly opposed breastfeeding resolution at World Health Assembly

Health officials expected to easily pass a resolution to promote breastfeeding at the World Health Assembly in May — until the U.S. threw a wrench into the deliberations, the New York Times reports. U.S. officials lobbied to get rid of language urging governments to "protect, promote and support breastfeeding." When that didn't work, officials involved said the U.S. threatened to pull back military aid and implement damaging trade measures in Ecuador, which was slated to introduce the measure.

Health officials were shocked by the Trump administration's intense opposition to the measure, which was ultimately sponsored by Russia. The resolution remained mostly intact, though U.S. representatives did get a portion removed that asked the WHO to support nations seeking to prevent “inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children.”