Press Release: Iowans Rally Against “Cancer Gag Act” in Des Moines
February 10, 2023 – Des Moines, Iowa – Over 150 Iowans gathered at the state capitol to protest Senate File 394, dubbed the “Cancer Gag Act,” championed by corporate giant Bayer. The legislation seeks to limit Iowans’ ability to sue pesticide companies for health issues arising from products like Roundup. Attendees, including farmers and community organizers from groups such as CCI Action and Food & Water Watch, expressed their concerns about the dangerous implications of the bill on public health and environmental safety.
Maggie Valentine, a resident from Marshall County, shared her frightening experience of pesticide exposure while pregnant, illustrating the fear Iowans face regarding chemical safety in their communities. Fellow advocate Nick Schutt revealed personal family struggles with cancer, contributing to the emotional weight of the gathering.
Barb Kalbach, a fourth-generation farmer and the event organizer, emphasized the need for Iowans to voice their opposition and protect their legal rights against agribusiness corporations. Despite the state’s alarming cancer rates, Kalbach called out Bayer’s influence in Iowa’s legislative processes. "We don’t need further limitations on our already-meager legal rights," she stated.
Iowans are encouraged to contact their state representatives to advocate for public health protections. For more information, visit iowacci.org/bayer.
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Photo credit www.northtamatelegraph.com
