New Hampshire: HB1292

Bill Summary

NH HB 1292 expands New Hampshire’s Right to Try law so that not only terminally ill patients but also those with “qualifying severe illness” (chronic, debilitating conditions) can access certain unapproved treatments outside standard FDA pathways. It removes the old “investigational drug, biologic, or device” definition and adds a detailed framework for regenerative stem cell therapies, including informed‑consent rules, accreditation and disclosure requirements, and limits on advertising claims. Physicians may offer specified stem‑cell procedures (for example, in orthopedics, wound care, or pain management) using cells from sources like placentas or consenting adult donors, but the bill explicitly bans use of stem cells derived from fetuses or embryos after an abortion and makes violations a felony. The bill also allows injunctive relief for violations and provides liability protections for clinicians who follow the law.

Why It Matters to MAHA

The Make America Healthy Again Movement supports NH HB 1292 because it widens access to promising, cutting‑edge therapies for patients with serious, often poorly treated chronic conditions, while building in strong informed‑consent and transparency safeguards. By creating a state‑level pathway for regenerative stem‑cell treatments—within clear ethical limits on fetal and embryonic sources—the bill encourages innovation that may reduce long‑term disability, pain, and complications from diseases MAHA wants to prevent and better manage. The expanded Right to Try framework also empowers patients and physicians to pursue individualized, last‑resort options when standard therapies have failed, aligning with MAHA’s emphasis on patient autonomy and access to a full toolbox of evidence‑informed treatments.