January 20, 2018
With the push of a button, Vice President Mike Pence delivered a message on Thursday to his 5.49 million followers on Twitter, to the nation, and most importantly, to the U.S. Congress:
“Yesterday I met with @SGottliebFDA [FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb] on the importance of passing a Right to Try law. It’s about restoring hope and giving patients with life threatening diseases a fighting chance. Let’s get this DONE.”
Right To Try is legislation that allows terminally ill patients to access investigational treatments that have passed basic safety testing with the FDA, but are not yet available on pharmacy shelves. It’s an issue the vice president knows quite well.
Nearly three years ago, Pence, then governor of Indiana, signed his state’s version of Right to Try, making it one of the 38 states that have passed the legislation. Standing beside him at the signing ceremony was five-year-old Jordan McLinn, who wore a fireman’s hat and a great big smile, watching as the governor extended hope to so many—Jordan included.
The young boy, who has a form of muscular dystrophy, is like millions of Americans who suffer from terminal disease. Many spend years searching for a potential cure. Unfortunately, FDA red tape and government regulations restrict access to promising new treatments, even those that are being safely used in clinical trials. They wait as hope runs out.
But as the vice president tweeted, Right to Try can restore that hope.
In August, federal Right to Try legislation passed the U.S. Senate with unanimous support, but it’s still under consideration in the House, and a vote on the bill has yet to be set.
That’s why the vice president’s voice is so important—as is yours. You can join the fight by contacting your Member of Congress and urging them to support Right to Try. Learn more at righttotry.org/advocate.
Let’s get this DONE.
Liberty in the News
Sign up for the latest news, event updates, and more.
Help all Americans live freer, happier lives. Join the Goldwater Institute as we defend and strengthen freedom in all 50 states.
Donate NowSince 1988, the Goldwater Institute has been in the liberty business — defending and promoting freedom, and achieving more than 400 victories in all 50 states. Donate today to help support our mission.
Our attorneys defend individual rights and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Need Help? Submit a case.