For the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed unique pressure on the U.S. health care system and led to significant spikes in demand for hospital beds, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, and other essential medical products.

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At the same time, the public health emergency has had a significant impact on the global supply chain as social distancing rules, export limits, and a lack of raw materials have constrained access to these products. This has caused global shortages of medical devices that are critical to the health care system’s response to COVID-19. Using 3D printing to manufacture a range of medical products could help address these shortages. However, although this emerging technology can be an important stopgap in meeting pressing needs, policymakers will need to consider the potential risks and benefits associated with its use and carefully assess how it can be deployed […]

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