Congress Threatens Online International Pharmacies
Misguided efforts by Congress and officials in the White House during the past two years could take away Americans’ ability to order medications online; even from trusted and reputable sources like CanDrugstore.com. As of this moment, there are two looming threats that could potentially obstruct many Americans' ability to afford safe, imported prescription drugs.
The first threat is posed by pending legislation on Capitol Hill known as the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (Protect IP Act). The Protect IP Act will replace last year’s Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA). COICA would have created a blacklist of pharmacy websites for companies such as Google, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Network Solutions to block. However, the Protect IP will escalate this threat by categorizing all non-U.S. based online pharmacies as a risk to public health and therefore the purchase of medication from international pharmacies would be prohibited. If the Protect IP Act is passed, websites that offer affordable Canadian drugs and international medicines to Americans, like CanDrugstore.com, would no longer be accessible and would be prohibited from defending themselves against those who shut them down.
The second threat comes directly from the White House, which in December 2010 announced the administration’s plans to completely shut down online pharmacy sites by “encouraging” Internet service providers, credit card companies, and search engines to cut off American’s access to them.
There is a belief that pharmaceutical corporations are behind these threats. These pharmaceutical corporations have attempted to persuade the American public that internationally sourced medicines are unsafe. While we agree that drug safety is crucial and that rogue pharmacies should be stopped, legitimate online pharmacies should not be punished.
Fortunately, you can take action now and try to prevent this from happening. We are asking for everyone’s assistance immediately. To voice your concern, join RxRights, a growing coalition of individuals and organizations that are dedicated to protecting and preserving Americans’ access to safe, affordable medications. You can send an electronic letter directly to your congressional and senate representatives in Washington, as well as President Obama, through the coalition’s website at www.rxrights.org. Notify your elected officials today and let them know that you want and need continued access to affordable medications from safe, licensed online pharmacies. For more information, please visit www.rxrights.org.
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