An unfortunate reality faced by many is the exposure and subsequent health issues associated with the Chernobyl nuclear explosion. I was four years old at the time of this catastrophe and have since been part of this struggle, like my mom and sisters, as a Hashimoto patient. However, my personal hope for a healthier future is being challenged every day, with the only available medication going against my principles as a vegan of 14 years.

Commonly prescribed thyroid medication like Levothyroxine contains non-vegan ingredients such as red dye from crushed beetles, gelatin, glycerin, and lactose, which I, and many others, believe to be unnecessary and ethically objectionable. It is not merely a matter of dietary preference but a call for preserving fundamental ethical considerations that the pharmaceutical industry needs to factor into their formulation processes.

Considering that over 20 million people in the US suffer from thyroid diseases (American Thyroid Association), and the rising number of vegan population (up to 6% in the US, according to a report by Top Trends in Prepared Foods), the demand for vegan alternatives of medicines is not negligible. 

It is high time pharmaceutical companies deem it necessary to align their products with the ethical beliefs of their consumers. We urge the concerned authorities and pharma companies to ensure the availability of vegan medicine for thyroid, thereby empowering patients to manage their health without compromising their ethical beliefs. Kindly lend your voice to this plea and sign the petition today.