A PublicationHEALTH of the National HealthFREEDOM Freedom Coalition REPORTER Summer 2007 www.nationalhealthfreedom.org 651.690.0732 World Health Freedom Assembly Launched 2006 Health Freedom Conference a Big Success

istory was in the making when monly known as the “AER bill”, or tion, a dramatic/comedy re-enactment of National Health Freedom Co- the Adverse Events Reporting bill. the farmer Herb Saunders investigation Halition invited health freedom The World Health Freedom Assembly and trial; “The Passage of the Minnesota organizations from around the world to has now independently launched and is Health Freedom Act of 1999”, a docu- meet face-to-face for the first time as a meeting monthly by conference call to ad- mentary film of the passage of the Min- World Health Freedom Assembly! Meet- dress strategies to strengthen the voice of nesota health freedom law; and actual health freedom globally: how to support footage of Clinton Miller testifying be- ing at William Mitchell College of Law in and endorse each other’s current efforts, fore Congress in the 60’s on the Proxmire St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, the Assembly and ways to share knowledge and use the Vitamin Bill which preserved our right voted to launch into the future and draft- power of a unified voice. You can learn to high dosage vitamins! What a great ed, with members of the attending As- more about the Assembly at its website: way to celebrate health freedom after sembly Advisory Organizations, an Inter- www.worldhealthfreedomassembly.com. a long day of intense political discus national Declaration of Health Freedom, 2006 Conference continued on page 10 which has been endorsed and signed by Evening Events Sparked all attendees Vision! and eighteen riday Night Author health freedom and Film Festival: NHFC GRATEFULLY organizations FThe weekend treat- ACKNOWLEDGES: from around ed all attendees to a Friday the world. evening devoted to a cele- (See p. 6) 2006 Conference Promot- bration of written and film ing Sponsor The As- works on health freedom. sembly and the Billy Best, Billy Best; The AdsoryOrgani- Boy Who Ran Away from Spring Forest Gong Company, Inc. zations devel- Chemotherapy; Byron oped a list of photo by Charles Garril/NHFC Richards, Fight for Your World Health Freedom Assembly launches 2006 Conference current health Health: Exposing the September 30, 2006 Supporting Sponsors: freedom issues FDA’s Betrayal of Ameri- for discussion that were of great concern ca; and Ingrid Frazon of Sweden repre- in their various countries. The Assem- sented by Brigitta Holmner, The Yellow Swanson Health Products bly took up one of the issues, and voted Canary inspired us with their stories. to oppose a USA national bill, the “Di- Additionally, we enjoyed films in- Truehope Institute etary Supplement and Non-Prescription cluding: “The Udder Truth” produced Mastel’s Health Foods Drug Consumer Protection Act”, com by Sunshine Health Freedom Founda- Healing Insights Therapy Center • World Health Freedom Assembly News ...... P. 1 • State Health Freedom Initiatives ...... P.2 Patient’s Lab Alliance Network • On Health Freedom ...... P. 3 • 2007 Health Freedom Converence ...... P. 5 National Guild of Hypnotists and • International Declaration of Health Freedom ...... P. 6 NFH Local 104 • Helping Citizens Advocate for Health Freedom ...... P. 7 Newton Laboratories side • Federal Health Freedom Issues ...... P. 8 • Activists Addressing Mercury in ...... P.10 Strauss Herb Company • Telling the Dental Truth ...... P.11

In ON HEALTH FREEDOM Comments from Diane Miller Director of Legal and Public Policy for National Health Freedom Action NHFA Opposes side of their prevailing and accepted stan- Mandatory Rregulation dard of care. Health freedom advocates are working in many states to reform National Health Of Unlicensed occupational laws to allow holistic prac- Freedom Coalition Practitioners titioners, whether licensed professionals ne of the oldest and most im- such as M.D.s and R.N.s, or unlicensed THE VISION portant programs that NHFA practitioners such as herbalists, homeo- paths, healers, and traditional A healthy nation, with Ohas is the “State Support Pro- naturopaths, to be able to be practice. empowered people, making gram” to help states pass health freedom legislation that reflects constitutional The new health freedom safe informed health care decision. grounds, and that maximize consumer harbor exemption laws for unlicensed options in health care. The health free- practitioners resonate with constitutional THE MISSION dom safe harbor exemption bills for un- requirements to regulate in the least re- To promote access to all health licensed practitioners such as herbalists, strictive manner when a fundamental care information, services, treat- homeopaths, traditional naturopaths, right is at stake. NHFA holds that states ments and products that the peo- energy workers, and many more heal- do not have the authority to regulate un- ple deem beneficial for their own ers, are one way to do that. As of 2007, licensed health care practitioners that are health and survival; to promote there are health freedom exemption bills not posing a risk of harm to the public. an understanding of the laws and that do not require government permis- However, this position is being chal- lenged at some state legislatures, with factors impacting the right to sion before one does a healing act, in the some legislators demanding that all unli- access; and to promote the health states of Minnesota, Rhode Island, Cali- fornia, Idaho, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. censed practitioners register with the state of the people of this nation. NHFA supports these types of laws, before they do a healing act. Mandatory as well as the additional 15 states that registration bills are unacceptable to many BOARD OF DIRECTORS have now introduced similar legislation. health freedom advocates because there Maureen Banyan NHFA does not support man- is no basis of harm for the state to use Business Administrator datory registration, or requirements of its police power to mandate registration. Leo Cashman government-endorsed education on unli- In 2006-2007 mandatory regis- Educator, Activist, Writer censed persons, because there is no basis tration bills were introduced in Ohio and Washington. Health freedom groups Barbara Ford, MA, MH for a state to have jurisdiction over these mobilized and worked hard to success- Herbalist, Practioner practitioners. There are many wonder- ful healers and health care consultants fully defeat these bills and to introduce Jerri Johnson, BSN that have a broad range of services and their own health freedom safe harbor Homeopath backgrounds in the healing culture, and exemption bills which do not require Diane Miller, JD laws should maximize consumer access to permission from the government before Attorney, Writer, Activist all of these healers. The health freedom one does a healing act. NHFA hopes William Lee Rand exemption bills exempt unlicensed practi- that all of these groups will band to- Reiki Teacher, Author, Publisher tioners from being in violation of crimi- gether in the future and create a strong C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD nal laws for practice without a license, presence in each state and pass safe har- Founder, American Holistic they prohibit certain acts that could bor health freedom exemption laws. Medicine Association cause harm, and they require disclosures States are unique, each having of education and the fact that a person is their own culture of healing. Citizens not licensed. But they do not require all want access to many in- NHFC is a 501c3 educational persons in the culture and all unlicensed novative health care prac- nonprofit organization practitioners to get permission from the titioners, whether they are government before they do a healing act. licensed or not licensed, whether they are practic- States have the police power to protect their citizens from harm and ing natural therapies or in- PMB 218, 2136 Ford Parkway thus they have jurisdiction over occupa- novative technologies. It St. Paul, MN 55116-1863 tions that pose an imminent risk of harm is the challenge of the state www.nationalhealthfreedom.com to the public. However, in many states, health freedom advocates to reform their own state email: [email protected] the current occupational laws prohibit Diane unlicensed practitioners from doing any laws to open up access Miller, JD Phone: 651-690-0732 act related to healing and they prohibit li- to healing that is beyond Sept. 30, 2006 censed practitioners from practicing out- conventional medicine. 2 Fifth Annual NHFC HEALTH FREEDOM CONFERENCE United States Health Freedom Assembly and Leadership Training October 12 – 14, 2007 William Mitchell College of Law Strengthening the United States Health Freedom Movement The United States Health Freedom Movement is burgeoning, and issues are abounding. NHFC’s Health Freedom Con- ference is a space where health freedom organizations and individual activists can come together to strategize and find ways to work together, thus multiplying our strength and effectiveness.

United States Health Freedom Assembly

October 12 and 13, 2007

All U.S. state and national health freedom organizations, and U.S. companies and associations working state-wide, nationally, or internationally for health freedom goals, are invited to sit in the Round as voting members of the United States Health Freedom Assembly. The public is invited to attend the conference, witness the leadership discussions and submit draft resolutions. The Assembly will discuss and make resolutions on key health freedom topics: 1. Trilateral Charter with Mexico, US, and Canada and it’s working group (MUCH) 2. Codex. 3. State safe harbor exemption bills for unlicensed practitioners and registration issues 4. Current U.S .and state bills including S1082/HR1561,HR2117 and others 5. Updates on FDA AER implementation and FDA Draft CAM Guidance document 6. Discussion on reforming and improving DSHEA Friday Night Keynote Speaker: Sandra Duffy, JD “Experiences on the Front Lines of the Health Freedom Movement: What is Working and What is Needed”

Saturday Night Health Freedom Awards Banquet NHFC honors health freedom activists for their courageous leadership

Awards Banquet Keynote Speaker: Clinton Miller Activist Extraordinaire in the American Health Freedom Movement “Top Priorities for Health Freedom Leadership”

Leadership Training for Health Freedom Advocates

October 14th, 2007

Sunday Workshops: Deborah Miller, JD, Florida Health Freedom Leader “Florida Governor Proclamation, Attorney General Opinion, and Florida freedom movement” Peter McCarthy, Texas Health Freedom President “Success in building a strong collaborative Texas health freedom movement” Rickie Gill, NHFC Director of Conference and Development: “Fundraising for Health Freedom” Diane Miller, JD: NHFC/NHFA Director of Law and Public Policy “Drafting Issues with Licensure bills for Dieticians, Naturopaths, and Massage Therapists “ See You All There! To Register, call 608 295 3827 or go to www.nationalhealthfreedom.org 3 State Health Freedom Groups: What’s Happening Around the Country? he “NHFA State Support Program” has been going strong since laws, and consumer access to these practitioners is being pre- 1999. NHFA has worked with 35 of the 50 states to help served. The new laws help expand the culture and reclaim many Tcitizens develop strong independent state-based freedom healing practices, returning balance back into the realm of health groups that can courageously tackle any health freedom issue that care options. When states change at this core level, it will open comes their way. We assist groups in clarifying their goals and ob- minds and hearts and cause a ripple effect, and contribute to jectives and the steps needed in order to protect health freedom. the healing of the federal and international situations as well.

For a list of 35 independent state health freedom organizations The following is a brief update on state groups that have that NHFA is in contact with and their contact information been actively working on legislative issues for health freedom please see our website at: www.nationalhealthfreedom.org. in the past six months: State health freedom groups have profoundly contrib- California: California already has a law (remember famous SB uted to the strength of the health freedom movement! Nine- 577!) that protects consumer access to unlicensed practitioners. teen states have introduced legislation to protect consumer access to unlicensed practitioners under safe harbor health On Feb 18, 2005 it introduced a bill, SB 583 Cancer Treatment freedom exemption laws. Other states are preparing for to repeal the terrible law that says that medical doctors can only the future. Six states now protect consumer access to unli- treat cancer with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Frank censed health care practitioners, including Oklahoma, Idaho, Cuny at CA Citizens for Health Freedom is leading the efforts Minnesota, Rhode Island, California and Louisiana NHFA’s Legal and Public Policy Director, Diane Mill- Colorado: In 2007 Colorado activists were instrumental in suc- er, receives information requests every day from state health cessfully opposing a Naturopathic Licensing bill which contained freedom groups from across the country. She sees these calls language that would have prohibited unlicensed naturopaths as top priority because she knows how hard state leaders are and other natural health practitioners from practicing. Colo- working. NHFA guidance focuses on the importance of rela- rado leaders are hopeful that they can introduce and pass health tionships. NHFA firmly believes that leaders need to be able freedom legislation in the future which would solve the problem to educate our local lawmakers and representatives of the im- and exempt them out of licensing statutes that have criminal portance of maximum consumer options and the protection of charges for unlicensed practice. The health freedom bill will health freedoms. Diane sees relationship with local lawmakers have a list of prohibited conduct for unlicensed practitioners and as essential and foundational in order to branch out and educate disclosure requirements to clients about education and training federal and international representatives effectively. Lawmak- and the fact that a practitioner is not licensed by the state. Lead- ers are increasingly influenced by political and financial forces ership in Colorado comes from Coalition for Natural Health, and our personal trusting relationships are increasingly impor- Colorado Coalition for Natural Health, Colorado Springs Health tant as we identify our health freedom leaders and champions. Freedom Steering Committee, Sunshine Health Freedom Path- One hundred years ago, many state legislatures made the finders, Colorado Alliance for Health Freedom, and NHFA. practice of natural therapies and traditional healing practices a Groups are collaborating to build a strong health freedom pres- crime, requiring all persons offering to heal the sick to be li- ence in Colorado and hoping for a successful bill passing in 2008. censed medical doctors. In addition, they required all medical Delaware: Delaware has created a new health freedom group doctors to practice conventional medicine within their accept- called Delaware Health Freedom Committee in response to an able standards of care. This eliminated innovation and many almost impossible situation. Activists, with the help of Sunshine Americans do not realize laws on the books actually affect what Health Freedom Foundation representative Kim Sharples, Co- kind of information they can and cannot receive from their alition for Natural Health and NHFA, have made great strides practitioners. These laws have resulted in a loss of access to in protecting health freedom. A Dietician/Nutritionist licens- wonderful healing resources and common-sense practices, and ing bill contained language that would have stopped anyone in their prohibition has sometimes caused harm and even death. Delaware from talking about nutrition. Health freedom activ- State health freedom organizations are working hard to pass ists prepared an amendment to exempt persons from criminal criminal exemption and safe harbor laws to protect consumer charges who were herbalist, retailers, or other persons making access to all health care practitioners. Keeping in place avenues recommendations as long as they did not hold themselves out as of recourse and truthful information to consumers, these new a licensed Dietitian or Nutritionist. The bill has already passed safe harbor laws protect the rights of natural health practitio- out of the House and Senate and now it is back in the House ners to practice without being arbitrarily disciplined, criminally and is being heard next week in a House Committee and the charged, or civilly fined. Traditional naturopaths, homeopaths, freedom activists are hopeful that their amendment will get suc- herbalists, energy workers, and many more are now being pro- cessfully added to the bill before passage. Great work Delaware! tected in states that have successfully passed these new types of 4 State Health Freedom Groups: What’s Happening Around the Country? Hawaii: Hawaii introduced health freedom legislation this make sure that it did not mandate licensure for all unlicensed year to protect access to unlicensed practitioners but the practitioners. Neither bill made it through the legislature but bill did not get a hearing and no action was taken by the the latest word is that one of them is being converted to a legislature. The homeopaths are taking a leading role study bill to study the issues further. Great work in Nevada. in Hawaii and are committed to health freedom. Spon- sors of the bill are eager to gain more support for the bill. New Hampshire: NH activists, including almost 200 Reiki and bodywork healers, filled a hearing room this spring in New Hamp- Illinois: Illinois is just gathering its group together and al- shire to oppose a bill that would have mandated government reg- ready they have sent a draft into the capitol for pre- istration for body workers and healers that use touch modalities liminary drafting and are looking forward to building in their practices. The bill was supported by the massage therapy a stronger movement in their state for health freedom. community and the controversy came to a head at the capitol. Now activists are exploring the possibility of introducing a safe harbor Iowa: January 2007 show-cased Iowa’s Third Annual Health health freedom exemption bill to provide long term protection Freedom Day at the capitol. The day kicked off the legislative of health freedoms in New Hampshire. Thanks to the Interna- session and Iowa Health Freedom Coalition went forward and tional Center for Reiki Training for supporting New Hampshire on February 7th introduced a health freedom bill SF 124 ex- activists and for their leadership role in the grassroots efforts. empting unlicensed practitioners from criminal charges of prac- ticing medicine without a license. The bill made great progress New Mexico: New Mexico health freedom leaders initiated the in the Subcommittee discussions and activists are encouraged introduction of SB 18 for exempting persons engaged in tradi- about future passage of a health freedom bill. October 2006 tional, cultural, complementary or alternative health care from Iowa Health Freedom Coalition held a Health Freedom Expo licensure requirements of NM. The bill passed successfully out in Toledo Iowa with wonderful booths and speakers. Iowa has of its first Committee but later the discussions expanded and a one of the most well-developed grassroots movements in the study bill was introduced and successfully passed to study the country for natural health options. issue in the coming year. The freedom activists plan Maine: Maine introduced a safe har- to be part of the discussion of the study committee. bor exemption bill for unlicensed practice this session before we could North Carolina: NC re-introduced The Consumer blink an eye and now they are simul- Health Freedom Act in March 2007 and is gather- taneously building their group of ing support from new sources for their bill. Leaders activists. They have already crossed include North Carolina steering committee, Certified one of the biggest hurdles which Natural Health Practitioners (CNHP), NHFA, Coali- is finding a good Sponsor and tion for Natural Health (CNH), and Sunshine Health getting introduction. Go Maine! Freedom Foundation (SHFF) Pathfinder. Activ- Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform ists are also keeping an eye on the language of licens- Project worked to promote a mercu- ing bills that may negatively impact health freedom. ry free bill 2006-2007 ses- Health Freedom Activists David Eisner, Ohio Ohio activists had a difficult task this session sion. This group is one of the lead- Susan Gingrich and Brent Meisse at the again because a mandatory registration bill for un- ers in mounting a strong legislative Ohio State Capitol in Columbus, Ohio campaign to make sure consumers licensed practitioners was re-introduced in Ohio in are not receiving mercury in their vaccines without being in- spring of 2007 and the health freedom activists had formed before they receive them. The bill had very good sup- to work hard to oppose it and educate legislators about why port but a Committee Chair blocked the hearing of the bill. Ac- registration is not an option. In addition leaders are working tivists will bring it back again and not stop until consumers are hard to get a safe harbor exemption health freedom bill in- alerted to the levels of mercury in the vaccines they are receiving. troduced in the near future. Health freedom leaders in Ohio are hopeful that all groups will eventually work together to Nevada: Jim Jenks, Sunshine Health Freedom Foundation Path- get a health freedom bill passed that is acceptable to everyone. finder in Nevada, and NHFA, were instrumental in drafting and finding sponsorship for a safe harbor health freedom exemption Texas: Texas had big success this year. They got a health free- bill successfully introduced in Nevada. NHFA also worked to dom safe harbor exemption bill introduced for the first time. In offer health freedom amendments to proponents of a licensing bill for Complementary and Integrative Medicine in order to State Groups continued on page 11 5 World Health Freedom Assembly Passes International Declaration of Health Freedom On September 29th and 30th, 2006, a World Health Freedom Assembly met in St. Paul, Minnesota and adopted and proclaimed an In- ternational Declaration of Health Freedom, the full text of which appears below. Following this historic act the assembly called upon all members of the human family, organizations, and countries present, and those others that wish to support this statement, to publicize the text of the Declaration and “to cause it to be honored, implemented, disseminated, displayed, read and endorsed by signature, by all people.”

INTERNATIONAL DECLARATION OF HEALTH FREEDOM We Declare That: Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Among the inalienable rights are not only the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness, but also the right to health, well-being, and survival. Health is a state of physical, mental, spiritual, and personal social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

In order to secure the right to health, a human being must be able to exercise his/her fundamental right to privacy and self-determina- tion and the right to make personal choices in pursuit of health, healing, well-being and survival. The right to choose requires that every individual holds the right to ultimately decide whether to obtain or reject any health treatment, research, or advice. In order to fully exercise the fundamental right of privacy and self-determination, full access to health care practitioners, healers, researchers, treatments, services, products, devices, substances and information sources of their choice must be protected and preserved for each member of the human family. Full access to health care practitioners healers, researchers, treatments, services, products, devices, substances and truthful information is an inherent and fundamental right and is independent of the actions of any government or other regulatory public or private bodies. There exist world-wide diverse healing arts theories, practices, treatments, substances, and modalities that are deemed by the people to contribute to their health and well-being, whether by one human or by many, and they need to be protected and available to all mem- bers of the human family.

Organization Invited Voting Delegates Nation Friends of Freedom International * Peter Helagson Canada (*) The World Health Live Longer Educational Foundation * Trueman Tuck Canada Freedom Assembly met in Mayday * Tamara Theresa Mosegaard Denmark_ St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Kommittén för Alternativ Medicin * Birgitta Holmner Sweden at the William Mitchell Citizens for Health * Jim Turner USA Healthkeepers Alliance * Wendell Whitman USA College of Law. National Health Federation * Scott Tips USA National Health Freedom Action * Clinton Miller USA Eleven of the signing orga- Sunshine Health Freedom Foundation * Joan Vandergriff USA nizations attended in person Native Americans * Mark Ravenhair USA (*) and nine organizations Alliance for Health Freedom Australia Michael Bending Australia Natural Health Care Alliance Patricia Reed Australia are signing via courier. Salud Natural A.G. Ronald Modra Chile A motion was made to La Leva Assoc. for Freedom of Choice Sepp Hasselberger Italy launch an ongoing Assem- New Health David Sloan New Zealand bly and founders are now Alliance for Natural Health Rob Verkerk UK American Association for Health Freedom Brenna Hill USA formalizing the Assembly National Health Freedom Coalition * Assembly Co-Chair Diane Miller USA and meeting monthly by National Health Freedom Coalition * Assembly Co-Chair Karen Studders USA conferencing.

6 a grass-roots effort to make change. We Helping Citizens support licensed practitioners who prac- Advocate for tice holistic medicine, and have crafted model laws to ensure their ability to do so. Health Freedom Federal issues come up when either a consumer calls because they have lost ac- he phone rings and the caller asks, cess to a particular product, or a manufac- National Health “How can NHFC and NHFA turer calls because there is pending feder- Thelp them in their state?” I reply al legislation that may make it impossible Freedom Action with another question, “What do you for them to manufacture and distribute need?” - and the conversation begins! the product. NHFA and NHFC support First and foremost, National Health THE VISION the right of manufacturers to make truth- Freedom Coalition (NHFC) educates A healthy nation, with ful health claims. In these cases, NHFA people on just what health freedom is. reviews legislation and puts out action empowered people, making And National Health Freedom Action alerts opposing (and sometimes support- informed health care decision. (NHFA) is an action organization that ing) federal legislation. We give consum- lobbies for solutions that protect health ers information and suggestions on how THE MISSION freedom. In so large a movement, there to take action to protect their freedom. To promote access to all health are many versions of the term ‘health free- Consumer questions about interna- care information, services, treat- dom.’ NHFC articulates what the term tional issues are becoming more frequent ments and products that the peo- “health freedom” means, in relation to state as international trade agreements and ple deem beneficial for their own practitioner laws, federal product laws, border disputes disrupt access to im- and international health freedom issues. health and survival; to promote portant nutritional products consumers For example, practitioners may be be- need. For example, a New Zealand 2005 an understanding of the laws and ing prosecuted for the practice of medi- factors impacting the right to study reported that 62% of New Zealand cine or the practice of dietetics without a citizens use complementary health care access; and to promote the health license. In that case, we educate the con- products. Yet Australia is attempting to of the people of this nation. sumer as to why it might be happening, harmonize restrictive Australian product give the history of the problem, and pro- laws with New Zealand’s more liberal BOARD OF DIRECTORS vide suggested solutions, including mod- laws. And New Zealand health freedom Cal Banyan, MA el language for advocates are Terry Rogers Hypnosis Trainer, Author health free- working hard dom bills, or President of Larry Hanus to oppose this help mobilize Florida Health Naturopath Freedom Coalition assault on New and organize a Zealand citizens’ Jerri Johnson, BSN and grass-roots ef- health freedom Homeopath Jerri Johson fort to change and sovereignty. Clinton Miller President the law. Our NHFC and Wellness Educator organizations National Health Freedom Coalition NHFA are William Lee Rand support the founding mem- Reiki Teacher, Author, Publisher right of all bers of the World Anthony Stephan u n l i c e n s e d Health Free- Co-founder of Truehope practitioners Photo by Charles Gorril/NHFC dom Assembly, Bonita Joy Yoder to provide launched in 2006 Attorney, Mediator, Coach healing and in the United States, that is now holding healthcare services that do not pose monthly meetings to help strengthen the an imminent risk of harm to the pub- health freedom movement worldwide. lic. We also oppose legislation or laws NHFC holds an annual conference, teach- NHFC is a 501c4 nonprofit that mandate that an unlicensed prac- ing leadership skills to health freedom ad- lobbying organization titioner register with the state govern- vocates, and hosting the annual health ment before they practice their trade. freedom awards banquet. NHFC and Another example is when licensed NHFA testify at hearings, provide Power practitioners are being disciplined for Point presentations on health freedom PMB 218, 2136 Ford Parkway using holistic treatments considered issues, and meet with health freedom St. Paul, MN 55116-1863 outside of prevailing conventional stan- groups to teach organizational and lob- dards. We help by discussing what the www.nationalhealthfreedom.com bying skills. Our work is on behalf of all laws are in that state, sharing how some people seeking their individual paths to email: [email protected] states have changed their laws, providng wellness. Our goal is to make sure the way Phone: 651-690-0732 language models, and once again helping is clear and that there are no obstructions states learn how to organize and mobilize to a person’s personal journey to heal. 7 Protecting DSHEA nutrients generally regarded as safe and supplements and to limit review of foods, the evaluation of their safety is based on dietary ingredients and dietary supple- Top Priority whether they cause a significant risk of ments to a determination of whether harm, as opposed to being evaluated un- they are safe. In assessing whether di- he Food and Drug Administra- der the toxic drug risk/benefit assessment. etary ingredients and dietary supple- tion (FDA), regulates dietary Risk/benefit analysis is reserved for toxic ments are safe, the Foundation or Insti- Tsupplements as food under substances and the FDA approves drugs tute shall not compare product risks with DSHEA ( Health for market if the benefit justifies the risk. health benefits or efficacy. Instead, the and Education Act of 1994). The foun- These foundational differences of drug Foundation or Institute shall determine dational principle of DSHEA is that di- and food safety assessments have recently whether the product presents a signifi- etary supplements are considered food been challenged in the Ephedra cases and cant risk of illness or injury under condi- nutrients, generally regarded as safe, and because the Supreme Court has denied tions of use recommended or suggested before the government can restrict com- hearing the Ephedra case May 2007, there in labeling, or if no conditions of use mercial products, the government has the is a real possibility that drug assessments are recommended or suggested in label- burden of proof to show harm: “…that might be applied to foods in the future. ing, under ordinary conditions of use.” they present a significant or unreason- With a drug, a consumer has to de- able risk of illness or injury under— (i) cide whether they are open to being #2 H.R. 2117 is a conditions of use recommended or sug- harmed by a toxic substance in trade great freedom bill! gested in labeling, or (ii) if no condi- for getting a measured benefit. And the H.R. 2117 assures that citizens get tions of use are suggested or recom- drug companies must show a risk/benefit maximum truthful information about the mended in the labeling, under ordinary analysis and disclose side effects. But products they desire to use to improve conditions of use.” (21 U.S.C. 342). that is not the nature of food. Food their own health. Congressman Ron #1 S1082/HR1561 is not generally toxic. Benefit of food Paul introduced H.R. 2117, the Health Must be amended! should always be the consumer’s opin- Freedom Protection Act, which in Con- ion and the government should only S1082/H.R 1561 impacts health gressman ’s words, “stops the block foods from the market if they have FDA from censoring truthful claims freedom. It sets up a non-profit corpo- shown harm. Because of the assumption ration called the Reagan-Udall Foun- about the curative, mitigative, or preven- that food is safe, we have a wide variety tative effects of dietary supplements, and dation that would give the FDA a of foods and supplements in the market- new and expanded role to be part of a adopts the federal court’s suggested use place. If foods and dietary supplements of disclaimers as an alternative to censor- Foundation with the purpose of imple- were ever to be evaluated as drugs, with menting goals of the FDA in the area ship. The Health Freedom Protection technology developed for drugs and a Act also stops the FDA from prohibit- of new drug development. This means risk/benefit analysis, it would no longer that the same organization that will be ing the distribution of scientific articles be up to the consumer to decide whether and publications regarding the role of developing drug evaluation technol- a food or dietary supplement were risky ogy is also enmeshed in the agency that nutrients in protecting against disease. or beneficial to them. The FDA would This legislation also addresses the regulates the drug approval process, thus be deciding that before they would be creating a situation that could poten- FTC’s violations of the First Amendment. allowing them on the market. We then Under traditional First Amendment ju- tially reduce the safety of the drugs and run the risk of natural products being products made available to the public. risprudence, the federal government incorrectly assessed as harmful because bears the burden of proving an advertis- In addition to being focused on drug of a drug analysis being applied to them assessment technology development, the ing statement false before censoring that and losing access to many wonderful statement. However, the FTC has re- Senate added language to the bill which foods and nutrients that we currently use. included food safety. The addition of versed the standard in the case of dietary Foods and dietary supplements should supplements by requiring supplement amendments that include food safety, and continue to be treated as food (DSHEA) the language of the original bill that in- manufactures to satisfy an unobtain- and evaluated under food standards and able standard of proof that their state- cluded food and dietary supplements in the technology instead of with toxic drug purpose of the Reagan Udall non-profit, ment is true. The FTC’s standards are risk/benefit assessment tools. To accom- blocking innovation in the marketplace. are completely unacceptable to freedom plish this, an amendment must be added advocates because it could mean down The Health Freedom Protection Act to the current bill S1082/H.R.1561. The requires the government bear the bur- the road that foods, dietary ingredients following amendments are being recom- and dietary supplements would be at risk den of proving that speech could be mended and drafted by the law firm of censored. This is how it should be in a for being treated like drugs when evaluat- Emord and Associates in Washington DC: ed by the FDA with their new drug tools. free, dynamic society. The bill also re- Foods and dietary supplements in Proposed amendment to quires that the FTC warn parties that the U.S. are not currently regulated as S 1082 and HR 1561: their advertising is false and give them drugs, but are regulated as foods under “The bills are hereby amended to pro- a chance to correct their mistakes…” DSHEA. Notably because of this, they hibit the Foundation or Institute from (Congressman Ron Paul’s statement are evaluated differently. Foods and di- evaluating the health benefit or efficacy upon introduction May 2, 2007). etary supplements are considered food of foods, dietary ingredients, and dietary 8 HEALTH FREEDOM EXPO NHFC/NHFA WISH LIST Chicago, IL You can help NHFC and NHFA by donating needed items: June 22 -24, 2007 Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center Power Point Projector www.healthkeepers.org Laptop Computer Dr. (founder of both the #1 Copier ranked website Mercola.com and the Chicago Fax Machine area’s Optimal Wellness Center) Frequent Flyer Miles ( “Natural Cures” author) Daryl Hannah as she tells you what you can Thanks! do to change your world, starting today!

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NHFC is a 501c3 non-profit educational org. Contributions may be tax-deductible for charitable giving purposes. NHFA is a 501(c)4 non-profit lobbying organization and your contributions are not tax-deductible. Address: NHFC and NHFA PMB 218, 2136 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116-1863 Phone (651) 690-0732 website: www.nationalhealthfreedom.org 9 2006 Conference continued from Page 1 his clients’ constitutional rights from the over- tary record of the Omnibus Autism sions! Additionally, we enjoyed films in- reaching arm of FDA’s enforcement policies. Proceeding: http://www.uscfc.us- cluding: “The Udder Truth” produced courts.gov/OSM/OSMAutism.htm by Sunshine Health Freedom Founda- Leadership Training For parents of children with vac- tion, a dramatic/comedy re-enactment of cine-induced autism, the word “Simp- the farmer Herb Saunders investigation for Health Freedom sonwood” has a corrupt notoriety simi- and trial; “The Passage of the Minnesota Activists lar to the word “Watergate.” On June Health Freedom Act of 1999”, a docu- 6-7, 2007 parent activists held a rally at mentary film of the passage of the Min- On Sunday, following the two-day Georgia’s Simpsonwood retreat center, nesota health freedom law; and actual World Health Freedom Assembly, site of an infamous June 2000 meet- footage of Clinton Miller testifying be- health freedom leaders joined togeth- ing of vaccine stakeholders discussing fore Congress in the 60’s on the Proxmire er to participate in a leadership train- the link between autism and mercury Vitamin Bill which preserved our right ing day. Presentations and interactive from the vaccine sterilizer Thimerosal. to high dosage vitamins! What a great workshops stimulated much enthusiasm A statistical analysis presented at that way to celebrate health freedom after a and support for those leaders who face meeting by scientist Thomas Verstraeten long day of intense political discussions! the daunting task of crafting and pass- of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ing laws that reflect health freedom. revealed that children given Thimerosal in Saturday Night As the National Conference for vaccines had a higher incidence of autism, Health Freedom Advocates came to a tics and other neurodevelopmental disor- Awards Banquet close, health freedom was placed in the ders. Ultimately the group of stakeholders And Keynote Speaker hands of brilliant committed activists decided to downplay the significance, and for yet another year of work and success our amazing health freedom leaders eventually Verstraeten reworked his sta- in protecting the right of all members tistics to show no association. Outquotes were presented 2006 Health Freedom of the human family to make their own Awards, honored for their dedication from the 2000 Simpsonwood meeting F health care choices in their own ways. minutes can be found here and elsewhere. and hard work protecting our access to natu- NHFC invites you to attend its Fifth http://www.nomercury. ral health care options. Awardees were: Billy Annual National Conference for Health Best – Author and courageous cancer survivor org/science/documents/ Freedom Advocates, to be held on Octo- simpsonwood%20overview.pdf who fled from home as a minor child to avoid ber 12 – 14, 2007, in St. Paul, MN. (See forced chemotherapy and later experienced In recent years eight states have p 5). Come join us in the exciting and passed legislation to limit the amount of his remedies being stopped at the U.S. Ca- rewarding work for our health freedom! nadian border; Jonathon W. Emord JD – A mercury allowed in vaccines, and nine- U.S. constitution- teen other states have introduced similar al lawyer success- Activists Work bills. But perversely the very organiza- fully defending tions charged with protecting children’s our rights to di- to Eliminate health have been encouraging mercury etary supplements use in injectable vaccines. For example, Mercury in Vaccines Hawaii’s bill was vetoed by Governor and freedom of By Nancy Hokkanen speech for health Lingle after pressure from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the CDC has claims; Anthony or years, concern has grown refused to bow to requests to recom- Stephans, co- that mercury in vaccines has cre- mend that pregnant women and chil- founder of True- ated an epidemic of neurological F dren receive mercury-free flu vaccines. hope Nutritional disorders in children. More than 4,800 Photo by Charles Gorril/NHFC State bills to limit mercury in vac- Support, for his parents filed claims on behalf of their Joan Vandergriff signing cines have been necessary because pass- courage and suc- children in the National Vaccine Injury International Declara- ing a federal bill has proved problematic. cess in the face of Compensation Program. On Monday, tion of Health Freedom But advocates say these bills are neces- opposition from June 11 the United States Court of on behalf of Sunshine sary because vaccines in development are Health Canada; Federal Claims will hold its first hear- Health Freedom allowed to use Thimerosal. The recently and Scott Tips JD Foundation, USA ing of the thousands of cases pending approved pandemic influenza vaccine – Counsel for Na- in the Autism Omnibus Proceedings. contains 100 micrograms of mercury in tional Health Federation, providing continu- The proceedings of the three-judge its two doses – far over levels considered ous leadership and attendance at international panel of Special Masters, unprecedent- safe in drinking water by the U.S. Envi- Codex meetings, with NHF United Nations ed in the history of tort litigation, have ronmental Protection Agency. Observer Status representing health freedom. been described as a “test” case. How- More information on state bills to limit Attorney Jonathon Emord of Emord & ever the Cedillo case is not necessar- mercury in vaccines is at the website of Associates, Washington D.C., delivered a riv- ily representative of any other case, and the parent advocacy group A-CHAMP. eting keynote address. Emord kept the au- the decision will not be binding on any http://www.a-champ.org/state.html dience mesmerized with his presentation on other case. The hearings are expected the founders of our country, the history of the to continue into 2008 and beyond. FDA, and his work as a trial lawyer defending To view the public documen- 10 Legislative Oversight approvals. Health freedom advocates evidence of bias and corruption in the are asking for legislative oversight of the board’s action, the Governor of Ohio Demanded On Trilateral Trilateral Cooperation Charter working has asked the state’s Inspector General Cooperation Charter group in order to assess whether natural to investigate the board’s conduct. The health products and dietary supplements battle for freedom and truth wages on. With U.S. Mexico, and will be restricted or blocked by the ef- Leo Cashman is Executive Director for Canada forts of this Executive branch group. DAMS. To request the DAMS Informa- tion Guide and a list of knowledgeable nternational Executive Branch pro- dentists in your state, call 800-311-6265. grams are now in a position to neg- atively impact health freedoms and Sttate Groups continued I At DAMS, We Publish addition they were instrumental in defeat- health freedom advocates are asking for legislative oversight of the Trilateral Co- the Dental Truth ing a Dietitian licensing bill which would operation Charter between U.S. Mexico, By Leo Cashman have negatively impacted a person’s right and Canada. The Security and Prosper- to talk about nutrition unless they were ity Partnership, an initiative of the Ex- At DAMS (Dental Amalgam Mercu- a licensed Dietitian. But a hard thing ecutive Branch of government, and the ry Syndrome), we give honest answers to that is still happening in Texas is that a resulting Trilateral Cooperation Charter people who suspect that conventional den- bill relating to massage therapy passed with Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., has tistry is not telling them the whole truth. the House and the Senate and is on its a working group on health fraud. But How can it be that amalgam fillings, once way to the Governor, and it contains the Charter has no legislative oversight to removed from your teeth, are a hazardous language that will make it illegal for any- protect health freedoms of U.S. citizens. waste material too dangerous for regular one to provide health care services that The purpose of the Trilateral Coop- landfill but are somehow safe during all involve touch, if they are not a licensed eration Charter working group entitled those years that they are in your mouth? massage therapist. This will harm the Mexico-US-Canada Health Fraud Group Amalgams are admittedly half merc (MUCH) is to maintain a formal frame- ury, and constantly giving off mercury practices of all body workers, kineseolo- work for cooperation in combating health vapor. Mercury is the most poisonous gists, healing touch and Reiki, and many fraud and to identify appropriate lines of metal and fluoride is the most poison- others. Activists are working hard to get communication to ensure a continual ous non-metal that we are commonly the Governor to veto the bill as we speak. exchange of information on compliance exposed to. It is bizarre that the medical/ and enforcement activities among the dental system delivers so much of these Washington: Health freedom in WA is un- three countries. (Lead Country: Mexico). poisons into the trusting patient’s body. der major attack. At least seven licensed The working group plans to “…develop We are here to tell that patient what and unlicensed practitioners that provide and implement comprehensive collabora- she/he won’t otherwise know. The den- alternative health care have been investi- tive approaches and mechanisms to deal tal-health connection goes further than gated. In response to the investigation with health fraud.” And health fraud is just toxic dental materials. A root canal activists have formed organizations with defined as “…the false, deceptive, or mis- treatment is an inherently risky proce- the goal of changing the laws. One new leading promotion, advertisement, distri- dure. The root canal treated teeth are group, Health Freedom Washington bution, sale, possession for sale, or offer- dead, and thus, quite prone to infec- (HFW), has a goal specifically to protect ing for sale of products or provision of tion. 25% of them become extremely unlicensed practitioners. The group suc- services, intended for human use, that are toxic, loaded up with anaerobic bacteria cessfully introduced safe harbor exemp- represented as being safe and/or effective and their toxic wastes. These wastes will to diagnose, prevent, cure, treat, or miti- combine with any mercury present in tion bills in both Senate and House SB gate disease (or other conditions), to re- the mouth and produce organic mercury 6034/HB 2266 this session, but because habilitate patients or to provide a benefi- compounds that are even more toxic. they did not launch until late in session, cial effect on health.” However, notably, Such toxic teeth usually fuel another the bills did not move out of Committee. the U.S. is represented in the Trilateral problem: jawbone infection, or jawbone HFW does not support mandatory reg- Cooperation Charter by the FDA. The disease, with the resulting holes in the istration of unlicensed practitioners and FDA is notorious for opposing the foun- jawbone commonly called “cavitations.” worked hard to oppose a mandatory reg- dational principles of health freedom in Such diseased tissue often goes undetect- istration bill for unlicensed practitioners DSHEA. And Mexico and Canada have ed and undiagnosed, but it is now known that was introduced by another group. no dietary supplement laws like the U.S. to be associated not only with pain, HFW is hopeful that they can proceed in where all dietary supplements are consid- but also with neurological disorders, the coming year with health freedom leg- ered food and generally regarded as safe. auto-immune diseases, and cancer. So islation. In addition, Washington Choice For example Canada is suffering from the it is strange that Dr. Wesley Shankland, loss of a huge percentage of their small DDS, a foremost practitioner in the di- introduced a bill to protect licensed prac- businesses in the natural products indus- agnosis and treatment of cavitations, has titioners. The bill reforms laws regard- try that have had to close business because been shut down by a zealous Ohio Dental ing the investigation and discipline of of new restrictive laws requiring costly Board investigator - despite the absence licensed doctors. The billed moved but pre-market procedures and government of patient complaints. With mounting did not get completely passed this session. 11 2007 Conference and US Health Freedom Assembly Strengthening the United States Health Freedom Movement

October 12-14, 2007, will be a big weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota! The United States Health Freedom Movement is burgeon- ing, and issues are abounding. NHFC’s Health Freedom Conference is a place where health freedom organizations and individual activists come together to strategize and find ways to work together, thus multiplying our strength and effectiveness.

You are invited! All U.S. state and national health freedom organizations, and U.S. companies and associations working state- wide, nationally, or internationally for health freedom goals, are invited to sit in the Round as voting members of the United States Health Freedom Assembly. The public is also invited to attend the Assembly and conference, witness the leadership discussions, and submit draft resolutions.

On Friday and Saturday the Assembly will discuss and make resolutions on key health freedom top- ics including: the Trilateral Charter with Mexico, US, and Canada and it’s working group (MUCH); Co- dex; State safe harbor exemption bills for unlicensed practitioners and registration issues; current U.S .and state bills including S1082/HR1561,HR2117 and other bills; updates on FDA AER implementation and FDA Draft CAM Guidance document; and discussion on reforming and improving DSHEA. On Sunday training workshops will take place for health freedom advocates working on the ground to protect freedoms.

Clinton Miller, Activist Extraordinaire in the American Health Freedom Movement, is Saturday Night’s Awards Banquet Key- note Speaker is. Friday Night’s Keynote Speaker is Sandra Duffy, JD, Oregon attorney working on top priority health freedom cases around the country.

Come one, come all! And join us to strengthen the U.S. health freedom movement! To register call 608-295-3827, or go to www.nationalhealthfreedom.org to register on-line. A Conference and Assembly put on by National Health Freedom Coalition

National Health Freedom Coalition PMD 218, 2136 Ford Parkway St. Paul, MN 55116-1863 www.nationalhealthfreedom.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

• World Health Freedom Assembly News ...... P. 1 • State Health Freedom Initiatives ...... P.2 • On Health Freedom ...... P. 3 • 2007 Health Freedom Converence ...... P. 5 • International Declaration of Health Freedom ...... P. 6 • Helping Citizens Advocate for Health Freedom ...... P. 7

side • Federal Health Freedom Issues ...... P. 8 • Activists Addressing Mercury in Vaccines ...... P.10 • Telling the Dental Truth ...... P.11

In