WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A coalition of autism organizations today expressed concerns regarding draft legislation that would restrict or eliminate access to compounded medicines doctors prescribe to treat children with autism. The organizations -- A-CHAMP, Autism One, the Autism Research Institute, Defeat Autism Now!, Generation Rescue, Moms Against Mercury, the National Autism Association, NoMercury, REAACH, SafeMinds, SOAR Autism Network, TACA - Talk About Curing Autism, US Autism and Asperger Association and Unlocking Autism -- issued a position paper outlining their concerns with the so-called Safe Drug Compounding Act of 2007. The organizations' position statement can be found at http://www.nationalautismassociation.org
"As a mother and advocate for children with Autism, I am committed to ensuring our children have access to safe and effective treatments," said Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association. "This legislation would have unintended consequences that would severely limit or completely deny access to the custom compounded medications that so many children rely on."
The organizations' concerns with the legislation center on the expanded authority it would give the Food and Drug Administration, which would restrict the availability of many commonly compounded medicines, some of which are prescribed to treat children with autism.
"Giving the FDA this kind of broad, unchecked authority is bad for patients," said Robert J. Krakow, president of A-CHAMP. "The FDA's current track record on food and safety overall is deplorable. Its track record on protecting children with autism is even worse. The FDA needs to do a better job protecting patients and consumers under existing authority before it can be trusted to take on more."
"We have an absolute epidemic of autism in this country," said Representative Dan Burton (news, bio, voting record) (R-Indiana). "Parents and doctors are struggling to find appropriate treatments options; and I personally believe that Congress has a responsibility to make sure that children with autism and their families receive the help that they need. Any legislation that unnecessarily limits medical treatment options is, in my opinion, deeply troubling, and potentially dangerous and should be opposed."
The groups will hold a conference call for reporters on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 AM EST. To participate, dial 800-351-4895, passcode: Autism.
For more information, visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org.
CONTACT: Wendy Fournier of National Autism Association, +1-877-622-2884
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