We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

Testimony at the FDA Advisory Panel Meeting on Dermal Fillers

November 8, 2008. The FDA’s summary regarding dermal fillers is consistent with articles published in medical journals and calls we have received by patients — some people are having serious, unexpected adverse reactions.

Testimony at FDA Science Board Meeting on Bisphenol A for Use in Food Contact Applications

October 31, 2008. The FDA needs to conduct new studies of a much larger and more representative sample of infant formula containers.

Testimony at FDA Part 15 Hearing Over the Counter Cough and Cold Medications for Pediatric Uses

October 2, 2008. The National Research Center for Women & Families’ position is that cough and cold products for children should not continue to be available OTC because they are generally ineffective and pose unnecessary safety risks to our children.

Testimony to FDA Science Board on Bisphenol A (BPA) in Food Containers

September 16, 2008. BPA is used in a variety of products including reusable water bottles, baby bottles, and plastic tableware. Epoxy resins made with BPA are used to coat the insides of canned foods and beverages.

NCHR Testimony on Fablyn

September 8, 2008. Osteoporosis is a serious disease. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available, and those options should help the FDA determine whether the risks of this drug, Fablyn, outweigh the benefits.