USA - Local group starts petition to end fluoridation

August 22nd, 2006 - 10:46am

(Port Angeles) -- A local political action committee has kicked off an initiative drive for a Port Angeles "Medical Independence Act" -- prompted by the recent fluoridation of the city's water supply. Organizers of "Our Waters -- Our Choice!" say the act will prohibit the addition of all substances intended to treat or medicate people through the public water supply -- including any continued addition of fluoride. The city council approved an ordinance to add fluoride to the water in 2003 and the substance was added to the water supply earlier this year after the construction of a fluoridation facility. Committee members say the action has forced the entire community either to submit to the medication for tooth decay, remove it as best they can, or not use the water. Organizers declare in the proposed ordinance that the right of all adult and mentally competent citizens to control their own medical care and the right to informed consent for medical treatment are essential to their pursuit of life and liberty. The proposal states the citizens of Port Angeles now declare that public water supplies should not be used to medicate citizens. The committee says the proposed ordinance does not apply to substances which are added to treat water for disinfection or corrosion control of pipes. Organizers say the initiative will be offered to the City Council after the signatures of 16-hundred-23 registered city voters are gathered. If approved by citizens in an election, the ordinance would take effect 30 days after certification -- ceasing the addition of fluoride