National Public Policy Activities

Stand Up For Epilepsy^®

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) is the world's preeminent association of physicians and other health professionals working towards a world where no persons' life is limited by Epilepsy.

US Institute of Medicine publishes report
Epilepsy Across the Spectrum, Promoting Health and Understanding

The IOM report addresses the many obstacles faced by people with epilepsy and their caregivers in obtaining the necessary care. Although the report was written to address the situation in the United States, a quick review of the findings show that the recommendations can be applied in most countries. The issues are familiar to everyone in the epilepsy community: lack of access to appropriate care, failure to address the broad psychosocial consequences of the disease, poor knowledge and understanding of epilepsy by the public and broader medical community and the stigma of having epilepsy which keeps the disease hidden even though it is one of the most common neurological disorders. All of these problems are laid out in great detail in this report. Read more ...

Colombian Law Provides Protection for Individuals Suffering from Epilepsy

The law for protecting the rights of people with epilepsy came into force in Colombia November 11, 2010. The effort to create this law began 40 years ago, and the initiative was first met with indifference and inaction. The Colombian League Against Epilepsy found a champion in Senator Manuel Virgũez who assisted in the writing of the law and led it through the complex legislative process. The law went into effect after the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruled that the law was constitutional, citing that people with epilepsy needed enhanced legal protection. The law is placed on the web site to provide an example of how such laws can be written and of the many issues and roadblocks that are faced by people with epilepsy.

Colombian Law 1414-10 - Protection for individuals suffering from epilepsy
Colombian Law 1414-10 - Protection for individuals suffering from epilepsy - Spanish