Changes to medical malpractice laws would impact real people in times of crisis
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth much more than that. That’s why we’re so proud to be able to bring to you the incredible story of Adriana, told in her own words.
Earlier this year, Public Citizen held a briefing for House staffers to examine the impact of so-called medical malpractice “reform” legislation making its way through Congress. Victims of medical wrongdoing like Adriana discussed how H.R. 1215, the “Protecting Access to Care Act,” would eliminate legal rights and threaten patient safety.
When Adriana was four months pregnant, she suffered from swelling in her eye’s retina. Because she was pregnant, the doctor said that injections weren’t a safe option for her or her baby and instead recommended a low-powered laser treatment. When the procedure began, the doctor did not realize that she was using a high power laser until Adriana’s eyes began to burn. Adriana is now legally blind in her left eye.
She returned this month to also tell her story to Senate staffers. You can read about that here.
H.R. 1215, which narrowly passed the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary committee, will be considered by the entire House in the coming weeks. We will continue to meet with members of Congress and urge them to vote against this harmful piece of legislation, which puts put profits over patients.
We urge you to get involved in this fight and contact your representative to tell her or him that you oppose limiting the rights of injured patients—because this is your government and those in power should hear your voice.