Right to Try legislation has passed the Senate. Now it must pass the House. Action Alert!
The Trickett Wendler Right to Try Act of 2017 passed the Senate and now moves to the House. It seems to have some traction. Recently the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the issue, and we’re expecting a floor vote on the measure sometime over the next few weeks.
The bill expands access to experimental drugs for terminally ill patients who have exhausted all other treatment options. It also frees drug companies from liability where trial medications are provided.
This is a much-needed reform that ANH-USA has supported for a number of years. As we’ve pointed out, FDA bureaucrats have thrown roadblocks into the paths of patients who desire access to experimental and potentially life-saving treatments. The agency’s “compassionate use” program is marred by a cumbersome application and documentation process, and the agency often delays or blocks approval. It can even revoke permission after it has been granted—and does.
Patients and their families who desire access to experimental drugs are faced with incredibly difficult life- and- death decisions. Such decisions should be between a patient and his or her doctor, not with the FDA standing in the way. This legislation deserves our support.
Action Alert! Write to your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the federal Right to Try bill. Please send your message immediately.
