Lawmakers Propose Giving Terminally Ill "Right To Try" Experimental Drugs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A conservative Republican lawmaker from Wheaton has teamed up with a liberal Democrat from Chicago in an effort to make Illinois a "right to try" state.
"Right to try" is the idea that people are given access to experimental drugs that might save or prolong their lives.
State Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Wheaton) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) are backing proposed legislation to give terminally ill patients in Illinois that right.
"In a lot of ways, it's in response to the ALS [ice] bucket challenge, and in my case, seeing the Dallas Buyers Club movie," Connelly said.
Derek Hogg, a Wilmington firefighter until he was sidelined by ALS nearly two years ago, is among those who could benefit from the legislation.
"It's hard being so young, and having a young family. I have a 2 ½-year-old boy, and an 11-month-old boy. They want to wrestle with their old man, and I just want to throw them up in the air," Hogg said.
Hogg said it's difficult to face the reality he can't do that.
Proposed "Right To Try" legislation was introduced to the Illinois Senate two weeks ago, and was assigned to the Insurance Committee on Wednesday.
It would allow a patient with a terminal illness, who has tried all other available treatment options, the right to use medication that has passed only the first phase of clinical trials required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Insurance companies would not be required to cover the costs of those drugs, but could do so if they so choose.