Protect Your Rights as a Consumer of Natural Products: Support the Free Speech About Science Act
A couple of months ago, we wrote urging you to help end federal censorship of scientific research by supporting the Free Speech About Science Act. Now, your support of this proposed legislation is needed more than ever. There’s a lot up for discussion right now on Capitol Hill concerning dietary supplements, and the decisions that are made could have a major impact on your rights as a consumer of natural products.
If you’ve seen some disturbing news reports about supplements over the last few days, you may have some idea of what’s going on in the Senate, and why you should care, if you believe that Americans should have access to uncensored scientific information and safe, effective natural products.
The Free Speech About Science Act: Why It Matters
The Free Speech About Science Act is designed to allow producers of foods and dietary supplements to cite legitimate, peer reviewed scientific studies that demonstrate health benefits associated with their products. As it stands currently, it’s illegal for a grower or manufacturer to reference valid research concerning a health benefit associated with a food or supplement, and doing so converts the food or supplement into an “unapproved drug” in the eyes of the FDA.
According to the Alliance for Natural Health, the passing of the Free Speech About Science Act will empower consumers to make informed decisions about their health by putting an end to government censorship of scientific information as it relates to the effects of foods and supplements on health. The long-term results of these legislative changes will be a healthier population and reduced healthcare costs for both individuals and the government.
From the Alliance for Natural Health’s overview of the Free Speech About Science Act:
The Free Speech About Science Act ensures the free flow of legitimate scientific research for consumers to make informed decisions based on all scientific information—not just limited pieces endorsed by the government. The government should not be the gatekeeper of scientific information. Consumers have a right to receive information about what they consume. In order for Americans to make informed choices on their own well-being and exercise ‘self-responsibility,’ consumers must have access to legitimate scientific information.
If this makes good sense to you, we urge you to show your support for the Free Speech about Science Act by contacting your Congressperson to let them know how you feel. The Alliance for Natural Health has created a portal to make it easy for you to do so. You can access it here: https://secure3.convio.net/aahf/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=529
Sources:
http://www.anh-usa.org/supplements-in-the-senate%E2%80%94again/
http://www.anh-usa.org/main-menu/campaigns/free-speech-about-science-act/
http://www.naturalnews.com/028879_censorship_healing_foods.html
