The Texas House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday that would allow pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription, advancing a controversial measure that has divided lawmakers along party lines. House Bill 25, if enacted, would make Texas the fifth state to grant unfettered access to the anti-parasite drug that became a focal point of debate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Republican Support for Expanded Access
Texas Republicans have rallied behind the measure, with bill sponsor State Representative Joanne Shofner defending the drug's legitimacy. The legislation has drawn support from GOP lawmakers who emphasize ivermectin's established medical uses and Nobel Prize recognition for treating parasitic infections in humans.
"If critics call Ivermectin a horse de-wormer, aren't they conveniently forgetting that it won the Nobel prize for treating humans, or are they just 'neigh-sayers?'" quipped State Representative Shelley Luther, a Republican from Tom Bean, during House proceedings.
Developed originally to treat parasites in both livestock and humans, ivermectin has drawn intense scrutiny as advocates claimed it successfully treated viral infections during the pandemic, despite much of the medical community continuing to discourage such "off-label" use.
Democratic Opposition Cites Safety Concerns
House Democrats mounted strong opposition to the bill, arguing that universal access without physician supervision poses significant public health risks. Their concerns center on the potential for misuse and the absence of medical oversight in dispensing the medication.
"No medical association recommends selling ivermectin over the counter - zero, none, nada," said State Representative Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat, highlighting the lack of professional medical support for the measure.
State Representative Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat, issued a stark warning about the legislation's potential consequences: "As you put this on the shelves, as the misinformation continues to spread, more and more people will come and get Ivermectin because they think it's a miracle cure instead of actually going to the doctor to see what's wrong with them and get actual treatment. You will kill more people with this."
Legislative Path Forward
The ivermectin measure now advances to the Texas Senate, where approval by the Republican majority appears highly likely. If passed by the upper chamber and signed by Governor Greg Abbott, Texas would join four other states that have already enacted similar legislation allowing non-prescription access to ivermectin.
The bill's progression through the legislative process reflects broader national debates about drug access, medical autonomy, and the role of government in healthcare decisions. The measure has highlighted the ongoing political divisions surrounding treatments that gained attention during the pandemic, despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness against viral infections.
