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)