At-home rape kits sold by Pittsburgh company sparking controversy [Video]

PITTSBURGH –

An entrepreneur who is also the reigning Miss Pittsburgh is selling a product that she says could revolutionize sexual assault prosecutions: at-home rape kits.

But some states have banned the kits, and some legal experts said the kits could make rape cases harder to prosecute.

Rape victims seeking justice typically go to a hospital to get a forensic exam, But Madison Campbell, 28, the CEO and founder of Leda Health, said most victims never take that step. Campbell, who was crowned Miss Pittsburgh last year, said she understands why.

“I myself was a sexual assault survivor, and I did not get a rape kit done within a hospital setting. I was too scared. I didn’t want anyone to touch me,” Campbell said.

Campbell was 23 when she started the company now known as Leda Health. She has raised nearly US$10 million for the company to produce do-it-yourself rape kits. Last …