Statement by Bob Pack, Author of Proposition 46

DANVILLE, Calif., Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This news release is being distributed by Consumer Watchdog Campaign:

Bob Pack, the author of Proposition 46 who lost his two children Troy and Alana due to medical negligence, released the following statement:

"This was a battle worth fighting. But the battle doesn't stop here.

We've opened the eyes of all Californians about patient safety.

We opened eyes about prescription drug abuse, about doctors suffering from substance abuse and about the injustice of medical malpractice.

Prop 46 would have helped tremendously. It would have saved lives. But it faced deep-pocketed opposition from the insurance industry. At least in this election, insurance industry profits trumped patient safety.

Now, we have more work to do. We live in a nation where preventable medical errors are the third leading cause of death – 440,000 each year. That's just plain wrong and needs to change.

Our coalition will continue to press for changes to end that cycle of preventable death, to put a dent in prescription drug abuse, ensure our doctors aren't operating under the influence and give malpractice victims a better shot at justice.

To the victims of medical negligence and their families, I am grateful that our paths have crossed and I'm honored to have campaigned alongside you: some of the bravest and most passionate people I have ever met. I commend all of you for standing with me before California voters to tell your stories. I know from personal experience that it can be tough to share your story of loss with strangers day after day. For us, this fight has been both emotional and personal.

You have debated, knocked on doors, shared your stories, spoken at events, made phone calls, written emails, educated your networks on social media, engaged your communities, and supported one another along the way. All of your efforts have gotten us one step closer to improving patient safety and one step closer to access to justice.

Our fight does not end here. Each and every one of you has acted courageously to harness your strength and share your message with the world. You have stood up against powerful industries and given them a run for their money. I urge you to keep fighting, because so many families have been denied justice.

Carmen and I will continue to work to make California's patients safer. We hope you will join us. Keep fighting for patient safety. Keep fighting for justice. Take what we have built together and carry it forward.

From our family to yours, we wish you all the best. 

This battle is not over."

For more information about the Prop 46 campaign for patient safety, please visit www.YesProp46.org 

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog Campaign