President Trump wants the terminally ill to have access to experimental drugs

<p>During an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trumps-initiative-stop-opioid-abuse-reduce-drug-supply-demand/" target="_blank">opioid policy </a>speech Monday, President Donald Trump supported legislation that would allow terminally ill patients access to experimental drugs.  </p><p>The "<a href="http://righttotry.org/faq/" target="_blank">Right to Try</a>" legislation makes it easier to pursue treatment options that don't have full Food and Drug Administration approval. Speaking in New Hampshire, Trump told supporters, "We are going to get it approved."</p><p>It's not the first time the president has backed the concept. He urged the House to pass current "Right to Try" legislation during his <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trumps-state-union-address/" target="_blank">State of the Union</a> address. Last week, the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5247?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22RIGHT+TO+TRY%22%5D%7D&r=4" target="_blank">bill </a>failed to make it through the House but could be brought up for a vote again soon. A <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-115s204rfh/pdf/BILLS-115s204rfh.pdf" target="_blank">Senate version </a>of the measure passed last year. </p><p>"Right to Try" <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/13/politics/right-to-try-house-bill/index.html" target="_blank">advocates</a> say bypassing FDA regulation improves access for patients, while <a href="http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/379123-former-fda-leaders-speak-out-against-right-to-try-bills" target="_blank">opponents</a> argue removing the agency from the process eliminates patient protections.  </p><p>Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate <a href="http://www.cnn.com" target="_blank">CNN</a>. </p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/mississippi-gov-phil-bryant-signs-15-week-abortion-ban-law/">Mississippi Enacts US' Most Restrictive Abortion Law</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/supreme-court-dismisses-pennsylvania-congressional-map-case/">US Supreme Court Dismisses Attempt To Block New Pa. Congressional Map</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/police-suspect-serial-bomber-in-austin-explosions/">Police Say A 'Serial Bomber' Might've Set Off Explosions In Austin</a></li></ul>