PCRM Honors Dr. Spock with Aid to Iraqi Children

In May, PCRM gave tribute to the life and work of the world’s most famous pediatrician, Dr. Benjamin Spock, by sending a relief convoy to Iraq. More than $10,000 worth of medical supplies was delivered to a children’s hospital in Baghdad, along with enough soymilk to feed up to 30,000 children. The donation commemorated what would have been Dr. Spock’s 100th birthday, May 2, 2003.

Dr. Spock is best known for Baby and Child Care, the best-selling secular book of all time. Benjamin Spock was a lifelong activist and member of PCRM’s advisory board until his death in 1998. He was a pacifist and disarmament proponent in addition to being an advocate for a non-dairy vegetarian diet for children. He discussed the problems a meat- and dairy-based diet can cause in the seventh edition of his book—a position strongly supported by PCRM physicians and dietitians.

Mary Morgan, Dr. Spock’s widow, joined the remembrance, saying, “My husband wanted to be remembered for his work for peace, and this shipment to Iraq will bring relief to children in need while beautifully commemorating his life’s work.” PCRM president Neal Barnard, M.D., echoes her feelings. “They don’t make doctors like Ben anymore. He truly cared about kids, about peace, and about the best of health, and he practiced what he preached,” he says.

PCRM’s shipment included a 20-foot container of soymilk provided by Vitasoy, an international soy beverage company. Soymilk is suitable for lactose-intolerant persons, withstands high desert temperatures, and requires no refrigeration. Medical supplies in the shipment included sutures, scalpels, intravenous equipment, and anesthesia, among other needed emergency items.