Talking points on various civil liberties issues
Posted April 6, 2010
Vote No on Pseudoephedrine Restrictions
Do you want the government deciding the available remedy for the common cold? The St. Louis City Board of Alderman is considering Bill #340, which would require a prescription for certain over-the-counter cold and allergy products. If passed, this bill would place undue burden on people seeking over-the-counter cold and flu relief by requiring a prescription from a doctor. This could have a profound effect on those individuals who need this particular medication, particularly if they don’t have insurance.
Proponents of the bill say it will curtail the clandestine production of methamphetamine, but Missouri state law expressly permits the sale of pseudoephedrine products without a prescription. Ordinances by cities and counties are therefore a violation of state law. Legislation should not burden the freedom of ordinary citizens when the requirement for a prescription would not be based on the danger itself, but only that it is a precursor to another drug. Based on that logic, many substances would then be illegal to access.
The ACLU of Eastern Missouri urges St. Louis City residents to call the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen at 314-622-3287 and encourage the opposition of Bill # 340.
Additional talking points are available: Pseudoephedrine Restrictions - Bill #340
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