LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5637, which would modify Michigan’s “Right to Try” law to include certain drugs and treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) issued the following statement:
“Amending a law because of widespread conspiracy theories is setting a dangerous precedent. The people promoting so-called “alternative treatments” to COVID-19, including the use of ivermectin, are not basing their claims on accurate science. These treatments are ineffective at best and, at worst, lethal. It’s incredibly troubling that, when I raised questions regarding the clinical trials presented in committee in support of this bill, I was silenced. Making informed medical decisions means we have the right to question treatment options presented to us. It does not mean we have the right to override the medical professional’s expertise because of social media conjecture. Discussing bills that further perpetuate the spread of medical misinformation gives them false credibility and is a waste of time and taxpayer resources.”
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