JULY 15, 2015

Bill introduced to guarantee Americans the right to try

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05), joined by Reps. Paul Gosar (AZ-04), and Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), introduced the Right to Try Act of 2015, a bill to allow American citizens access to investigational drugs that have passed the Food and Drug Administration’s basic safety testing, but have not yet been fully approved.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman: “Life is a precious gift and Hoosiers deserve every chance to fight for themselves and their loved ones. Following the leadership of Governor Pence and the Indiana legislature, I am proud to work with Rep. Salmon to introduce federal Right to Try legislation. With these reforms, we can we keep the government on the side of patients and families as they work with their doctors to try every possible life-saving treatment,” said Stutzman.

Congressman Matt Salmon: “In many cases, the right to try could mean the difference between life and death to otherwise terminal individuals; allowing them to take advantage of innovative, new options in hopes of saving or at least improving their quality of life. Today we took a significant step, and I’m proud to work with these two members to achieve this important goal.”

Congressman Paul Gosar: “As a medical professional for over 25 years, I am very familiar with the life-saving benefits of investigational drugs allowed under Right to Try laws. An individual’s right to life should not be knowingly suppressed by the government and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support of this legislation introduced today.”