Michigan is the only state in the country that prohibits any legal recourse for families harmed by dangerous prescription drugs. When the drug immunity law was first enacted back in 1996, supporters claimed it would lower prescription drug costs for consumers by lowering the potential cost to drug companies of getting sued.

However, recent scandals surrounding drugs such as Bextra, Rezulin and Vioxx have raised questions about the effectiveness of the FDA approval process, and in particular about ties between members of FDA drug-approval boards and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. David Graham, associate director for science and medicine in the FDA’s Office of Drug Safety, testified about this issue before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee in November 2004. He said what happened with Vioxx “is really a symptom of something far more dangerous to the safety of the American people,” and that the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is “broken.”

On November 9, 2007, Merck announced that it would be offering a $4.85 billion settlement in a lawsuit involving 47,000 victims of the painkiller Vioxx. Victims of the drug suffered heart attacks or strokes between its 1999 FDA approval and September 2004, when it was pulled from the market. Unfortunately, because of our 1996 drug immunity law, Michigan’s citizens and their families will be prevented from receiving the justice they deserve under this settlement.

Michigan residents are still the only citizens in the United States to have forfeited their right to be compensated if they are injured by a dangerous prescription drug. Consumers can no longer afford to simply trust the FDA to hold drug companies accountable for the products they sell. In February, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a package of legislative reforms that would repeal blanket immunity for drug companies and restore consumers’ rights. Unfortunately, Senate Republican leadership continues to block these important bills, forcing Michigan consumers to sit on the sidelines and watch as others hold drug companies accountable.

The longer Michigan delays passing these needed reforms, the longer Michigan consumers will have fewer rights and protections than citizens anywhere else in the country. This is unacceptable. We need to hold drug companies accountable for the quality of their products and reform our laws to protect the safety and well-being of Michigan citizens.

Please take a moment and sign our petition asking Senator Mike Bishop to allow hearings on all bills to repeal Michigan’s law granting drug companies absolute immunity, and to allow for a Senate floor vote.

Since it’s founding in 1992, Michigan Citizen Action has been a champion for the rights of everyday people, earning it the grassroots support of 50,000 strong across the state. Whether fighting for consumer rights or worker’s rights, the right to safe neighbourhoods and better schools, or the right for everyday citizens to have an equal voice in local, state, and federal policymaking, Michigan Citizen Action has never shied away from a tough fight or a just cause.

WHO

Since it's founding in 1992, Michigan Citizen Action has been a champion for the rights of everyday people, earning it the grassroots support of 50,000 strong across the state. Whether fighting for consumer rights or worker's rights, the right to safe neighborhoods and better schools, or the right for everyday citizens to have an equal voice in local, state, and federal policymaking, Michigan Citizen Action has never shied away from a tough fight or a just cause.

Michigan Citizen Action is affiliated with USAction, the nation's largest progressive grassroots organization, with independent state affiliates dedicated to winning opportunity, liberty and justice for all. They represent over three million members in 34 affiliates, with statewide organizations in 24 states.

WHAT

Promoting and Protecting Consumer Right

HOW

Progressive issues…define today's politics in our terms. Michigan Citizen Action is a leader in the fight for opportunity and justice for all. In our state, we are winning progressive legislation on health care, education, jobs, campaign and election reform, and the environment.

Progressive leaders…and activists at the grassroots level must become the leaders of the progressive movement. Michigan Citizen Action will organize grassroots volunteers to knock on doors, get on the phone, contact their elected officials, and rally our supporters to stand up for a progressive Michigan. We will provide leadership training to grassroots leaders on everything from organizing and public speaking to fundraising and running for office. Our goal is to build a strong grassroots network of leaders and activists who can mobilize thousands of their neighbors.

Progressive coalitions…unite organizations around a common purpose. Michigan Citizen Action along with USAction and our other state affiliates are inveterate coalition builders. We are part of the nation's largest network of statewide, multi-issue progressive coalitions. We have recruited and partnered with several organizations, big and small, around common values. We will provide each of our issue coalitions with value-based messages that are connected to our common progressive beliefs.

Progressive values…are at the heart of American values. Michigan Citizen Action engages progressive voters in our issue campaign year-round. The kitchen table issues that working families care about most are the issues that drive progressives to action.