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 Advisory Panel on Wound Dressings

October 26, 2022: Dr. Diana Zuckerman testified at the FDA Advisory Meeting on Wound Dressings. She pointed out that data on safety and effectiveness is lacking for these products even though they have been used for decades. Thousands of adverse event reports to FDA indicate contamination and problems with sterile packaging. FDA should classify them as Class III and require clinical trials and inspections.

NCHR Speaks out on the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs’ decision to cover abortion and abortion counseling

October 11, 2022: Women veterans number about two million and make up the fastest-growing group of veterans in the U.S. today. We commend the Department of Veterans Affairs for its decision to expand healthcare coverage for women veterans to include abortion and abortion counseling. This action will help ensure that veterans and their beneficiaries have access to a full complement of reproductive healthcare regardless of where they live.

NCHR testifies for FDA Advisory Committee about withdrawing approval of Makena, to prevent preterm birth

October 17, 2022: In OB/GYN, preterm delivery is one of our most difficult challenges. The causes are complicated and not well-understood. But the associated harms are clear and devastating. We all want an effective intervention that will reduce the number of babies delivered too early and lead to better maternal and fetal outcomes. Unfortunately, current data do not indicate that Makena is the solution we have been seeking.

Comments of National Center for Health Research Regarding the USPSTF Draft Evidence Review: Screening for Depression and Suicide in Adults

October 17, 2022: We are concerned screening for asymptomatic depression and suicide has more risks than benefits. Further research is needed to find methods that accurately identify at-risk patients.

Comments of National Center for Health Research The USPSTF Draft Evidence Review: Screening for Anxiety in Adults

October 17, 2022: We are concerned the USPSTF recommended anxiety screening does not have enough supporting evidence, and the resulting treatments come with serious risks.