Today U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced a bill that will at long last clarify  the role of homeopathic medicine in American health care. The Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality and Transparency Act (H.R. 7050) is the best solution for long-term protection of access to the full range of homeopathic medicines and for addressing the unique nature of homeopathic medicines and the specific conditions and requirements related to their manufacture, labeling, promotion, distribution, and use.

We believe this bipartisan legislation, which includes Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) and Rep. Mike Kennedy, MD (R-UT) as original co-sponsors, will help foster a diversity of suppliers in a resilient and competitive marketplace while ensuring safety for consumers and practitioners.

Importantly, this legislation is supported by an unprecedented coalition of more than 40+ leading national and state homeopathy organizations, holistic health nonprofits, manufacturers, retailers, and advocacy groups. These organizations have formally signed a Statement of Support affirming the urgent need for a clear, stable, and homeopathy-appropriate regulatory framework. Their collective endorsement sends a strong message to Congress that the homeopathy and natural health community is united, informed, and ready for a lasting legislative solution.

Homeopathic medicines have been enshrined in federal law since their inclusion  in the 1938 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. However, conflicting regulatory actions have created existential uncertainty for the makers and retailers of homeopathic medicine and the millions of consumers who rely on homeopathic medicines in their medicine cabinets. It is past time to clarify their role in American health care and regulate this category of drugs appropriately, just as Congress has done for other product categories which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees such as dietary supplements, biologics, compounded drugs and medical devices.

Once the Act is adopted, for the first time there will be a clear and sensible legal framework for the manufacturing and marketing of homeopathic medicines. This will ensure long-term stability for manufacturers, practitioners and consumers which will, in turn, enhance access to these medicines. That stability will invite new funds into the industry that has been starved of proper investment due to the uncertain atmosphere created by recent FDA’s actions — actions poorly-suited to homeopathic manufacturing and marketing because the agency lacks the tools to regulate these medicines properly.

Homeopathic medicines are used every day in clinical settings by a broad range of health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and dentists, among others. These nontoxic medicines have an unparalleled record of safe use, far exceeding the record of conventional drugs and even foods. Millions of Americans also use these products as they would any other over-the-counter medicine for minor illnesses and injuries. Most significantly, consumer interest in homeopathic medicines is growing rapidly as American families seek natural solutions to unprecedented rates of chronic disease and other health challenges.