Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have raised concerns about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revising its mission statement by eliminating its commitment to "lengthen life." The senators have sent a letter to NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, requesting an explanation for this change.

In their letter, Rubio and Duckworth express concern about the potential impact of removing "lengthen life" from the NIH's mission statement. They emphasize that this change could have negative consequences for people's attitudes towards the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

The senators highlight the rising openness of some countries towards physician-assisted suicide and the need to ensure that people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect. They point out that stereotypes and bias in the research and healthcare sectors continue to hinder individuals with disabilities from receiving the necessary care. They cite a survey that found over 80 percent of U.S. physicians believe that people with significant disabilities have a worse quality of life than those without disabilities. This perception could potentially lead to discrimination in recommendations for physician-assisted suicide.

Rubio and Duckworth assert that it is essential for the NIH, as the nation's largest funder of biomedical research, to have a clear mission. While they applaud the NIH for recognizing the disparities in healthcare research and delivery for people with disabilities, they remain concerned about the proposal to remove "lengthen life" from the mission statement.

To gain a better understanding of the reasons behind this change, the senators have requested a staff-level briefing with Dr. Bertagnolli. They also seek answers to specific questions, including the motivation behind removing "lengthen life" from the mission statement, whether outside groups were consulted in the decision-making process, and the potential effects of this change on the NIH's research and grant-making priorities.

Rubio and Duckworth emphasize the importance of receiving a response from Dr. Bertagnolli and express their eagerness to address this matter.

The full text of the letter can be found below:

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"We are concerned that eliminating the stated goal of lengthening life within the NIH’s mission statement without explanation or justification could have a negative impact on people’s existing attitudes towards the quality of life of people with disabilities."

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"What motivated your decision to remove “lengthen life” from the NIH mission statement?

Were outside groups consulted in the decision-making process? If so, which organizations, and what were their recommendations?

What, if any, effect will deleting the phrase “lengthen life” have on the work of the NIH in its research and grant-making priorities? What guidance will be provided to program officers and other relevant personnel?"

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