Our best chance to ban contingent skin shock for behavioral control is now at risk. Some Senators are pushing for a stripped-down version of the bill, without important amendments like the ban on contingent electric skin shock. We can’t let them gut the bill’s vital provisions – with the clock ticking, we must convince the Senate that this language is critical to ensuring the human rights of people with disabilities. We need one final push to #StopTheShock! The Senate aims to pass the FDA Safety and Landmark Advancements Act (FDASLA) before the end of the month – and it must have the amendment from the HELP committee banning the use of electric shock for behavior modification. We need a big push RIGHT NOW to let our elected officials know that this provision is critical to our community.
Here’s how you can help:
Call your two Senators. Ask them to pass the current version of the bill, the FDA Safety and Landmark Advancements Act, with the amendment banning electric shocks for behavior modification included.
You can use our script:
My name is [your full name] , and I am from [your city]. I am a constituent of Senator [NAME]. I’m calling to ask Senator [NAME] to vote to pass the FDASLA Act, with the language included which bans the use of electric skin shock for behavior modification. This language passed the House, as well as the HELP committee. Only one institution in the country still uses electric shocks this way, and the UN found the practice to be torture in 2013. The FDA banned this use of electric shocks in 2020, but the DC Circuit Court overturned the ban on a technicality. The Senate has the power to stop electric shock torture through the FDASLA Act. Can I count on the Senator to vote yes on an FDASLA reauthorization that includes the ban?
After calling, try a virtual Hill visit! Our guide walks you through meeting with your Senators’ staff one-on-one even if you can’t visit their office.
Want to make a call, but unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Our Proxy Calling system is open! Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up to be a proxy caller. Have call anxiety, or wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress.
Our community can’t wait — we must take this critical step toward ending the torturous practice of shocks as behavioral control, and towards closing the Judge Rotenberg Center. Your advocacy will make sure we #StopTheShock for good. Thank you for taking action.