Hartzler votes to give terminal patients hope

Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) voted for legislation to allow terminally-ill patients the option to receive drugs that have passed the Food and Drug Administration’s basic safety testing but have not received final approval, in order to give these patients a chance at life. These individuals cannot wait until all the bureaucratic hurdles are crossed. They need help and hope now. Hartzler was a co-sponsor of H.R. 5247, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act, which passed the House in bipartisan fashion, 267 – 149.

“This legislation could help so many families with loved ones struggling with life threatening diseases,” Hartzler said.

Hartzler took interest in this legislation when she met Zack Mongiello, a little boy whose father suffered from ALS and had exhausted all treatment options. “He said, ‘My dad is dying, please help,’” said Hartzler. “Families like Zack’s need us to act,” she added.

The bill would allow terminally-ill patients who have exhausted all available treatment options to access drugs that have passed the preliminary human-testing phase and are still being evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). By doing this, it also prevents the FDA from interfering with states like Missouri that have already passed similar laws. The legislation would also require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA in real time any adverse reactions patients may have to the drug. This bill now awaits further action by the Senate.