Roe Statement on Right to Try Act 2018

Statement

Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the House passed S. 204, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2018, legislation that gives alternative pathways for terminally-ill patients to access experimental drugs through their doctor:

"As a physician with over 31 years of experience, taking care of patients has been my life's work, and I take that responsibility very seriously. This bill allows patients to experiment with drugs that may not be Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, so long as the treatment has been through Phase 1 of a clinical trial. When patients are facing a diagnosis that is not treatable with drugs currently on the market and may not qualify for clinical drug trials, they should have the freedom to pursue every available treatment. My beloved wife Pam; one of my best friends on this earth; and my senior medical partner, all passed away after being diagnosed with late-stage cancer. They would have liked the right to try. I have had to look patients in the eye and say, "Your life is not in my hands anymore. It is in God's hands.' In that moment, all these patients want and deserve is a right to try. That's why I am so proud to support this legislation today."

This legislation previously passed the Senate, and now will be sent to President Trump's desk for signature. Click here to view Congressman Roe's floor statement on this legislation.

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