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.

NCHR Testimony at FDA on the NeuroStar TMS System for Major Depression

January 26, 2007. Depression is a serious and debilitating disease. The use of ineffective treatments can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, which in turn can worsen the symptoms and even result in suicide.

NCHR Joint Statement of Science, Public Health, and Consumer Groups

November 16, 2006. The Enhancing Drug Safety and Innovation Act is an important effort to respond to consumers’ increasing concerns about the inadequacy of current safeguards protecting the public from unreported risks of prescription drugs.

Letter to USDA Regarding Changes to Improve Nutrition of WIC Foods

November 3, 2006. The National Research Center for Women & Families strongly supports the WIC Food Packages Proposed Rule. A healthful diet is a family responsibility, but WIC policies are essential in encouraging the best possible nutrition for low-income families, and a healthy start for young children.

NCHR Report on FDA Advisory Committees: Does Approval Mean Safety?

NCHR’s research report on FDA Advisory Committee meetings found problems with bandwagon voting and major disparities between voting members’ criticisms of evidence and their voting behavior. Some types of Advisory Committee members are more skeptical about the evidence and others tend to support industry claims.

Letter to the Senate HELP Committee on Enhancing Drug Safety and Innovation Act

September 28, 2006. NCHR was disappointed to hear that the Senate is considering marking up S. 3807 “The Enhancing Drug Safety and Innovation Act” before holding a hearing.