In a major step forward for medical freedom, Arkansas has passed groundbreaking legislation allowing the sale of ivermectin for human use without a prescription. On Tuesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Senate Bill 189 into law, making ivermectin legally accessible over-the-counter across the state.
The law, which will take effect 90 days after the Arkansas legislature adjourns, declares that “ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as an over-the-counter medication in this state without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional.” This marks a significant departure from previous policy, where access to the drug was restricted to those with a doctor’s prescription.
Ivermectin, which has long used to treat parasitic infections in both humans and animals, entered the national spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite FDA warnings against using it as an unapproved treatment for COVID-19, many Americans sought it out as an alternative therapy, citing positive outcomes and support from frontline doctors.
Now, Arkansas becomes the first state to take legislative action that supports both individual choice and medical autonomy, empowering residents to decide their own course of treatment.
Brock Thompson, who originally brought the bill to Senator Alan Clark, commented on the legislation’s passing:
“I’m happy Governor Sanders signed SB189, giving people the choice to use ivermectin—an old drug with new potential. It validates the doctors who were demonized for using it and helps keep the conversation about medical freedom alive.”
As debates over health sovereignty and access to alternative treatments continue nationwide, Arkansas has taken a bold step in favor of patient rights and informed choice. Whether or not individuals choose to use ivermectin, the state has affirmed their right to make that decision for themselves.
