Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Attorneys General Discourage Use Of At-Home Rape Kits: 'Sexual Assault Demands Real Response'
Two companies are under fire for saying they want to sell do-it-yourself rape kits to sexual assault survivors. Attorneys general in several states have sent cease-and-desist letters to the MeToo Kits Company, based in New York City, and the New Jersey-based The Preserve Group, saying the evidence-collection kits are no substitute for a professional forensic exam. (9/12)
Creators of the MeToo Kit say the evidence collection process is so simple, anyone can do it. Following the instructions on a smartphone app, victims can conduct their own sexual assault exam. MeToo Kit Co. CEO Madison Campbell told Carolina Public Press that users should able to complete an at-home kit in less than 15 minutes. While the time it takes may vary by individual, 鈥渢he whole goal is to be as easy and seamless as possible,鈥� Campbell said. (Martin, 9/13)
Kaiser Health News: A Dubious Product: A Rape Kit For Home Use
Alongside other 鈥渆ssential鈥� household supplies for sale on Amazon, there鈥檚 now a product offered that might give consumers pause: an at-home rape kit. The 鈥淧RESERVEkit,鈥� listed for $29.95, is intended for those who have been sexually assaulted. It is advertised as 鈥渃ontaining all of the tools and step-by-step directions needed for the proper collection of evidence if going to the police or medical facility is not an option.鈥� (Knight, 9/13)