BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A company marketing ‘at-home rape kits’ is under scrutiny in Maryland after being banned and accused of 'deceptive' practices in other states. This, as a December deadline loomed for a recommendation to be made to Maryland lawmakers on whether to allow these "do it yourself" kits in the state.
The kits could give survivors of sexual assault access to collect their own evidence post-assault, but that evidence could ultimately be rendered useless and even inhibit justice, according to top prosecutors, politicians, and law enforcement officials across the country.
The company, Leda Health, was one of a few companies to manufacture these DIY kits. They touted them as a convenient, innovative tool in which survivors of sexual assault could collect DNA from the comfort of their own homes.
It’s a task currently conducted in a hospital by a sexual assault forensic examiner. Survivors can get the exam, which includes collection and medical care, for free in Maryland.
“To go immediately to a hospital setting after being assaulted can be intimidating," said Leda Health COO, Dr. Sean Bogle. “...Most survivors, particularly women who are assaulted, aren’t coming forward, and they’re having to handle that without the support that they may need."
In August, Bogle stopped by FOX45 News as he made the rounds – promoting Leda Health’s at-home kits across Maryland, hoping to work with the state to distribute them to the public.
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