Press Releases
Wenstrup, Franks Statement on Charlie Gard
Washington,
July 24, 2017
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Hailey Sadler
(202-225-3164)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) and Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08) released the following statement in response to reports that Charlie Gard’s parents have withdrawn their petition seeking to bring their son to the U.S. for experimental medical treatment: “We offer Chris Gard and Connie Yates our support and prayers as they grieve this heart-wrenching outcome, after five difficult months of battling the courts for their son’s life. Charlie Gard’s brave fight inspired individuals across the globe to join in his battle for life, for hope, and for cures. As we stand with his family, let both our nations be reminded of the risk incurred when doctors or bureaucrats are empowered with ultimate authority to determine which lives are unworthy of being lived and who may be denied their fight for survival. Let us never forget that every human life – no matter how great or small, young or old -- has inherent dignity and its value cannot be measured.” Wenstrup and Franks previously introduced legislation to expedite the process for Charlie Gard and his parents to come to the United States for experimental treatment. The New-York Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Irving Medical Center had offered to admit Charlie Gard and provide him with an experimental treatment, pending emergency FDA approval. The American medical center had also offered to provide Great Ormond Street Hospital with the drug if approved. The family raised over $1.6 million to pay for their son to receive experimental treatment in the United States. The family’s lawyer, Grant Armstrong, told the UK High Court Monday that experts have said that the "window of opportunity no longer exists.”
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