Lower Bucks Today

Ellie’s Law has been introduced in Congress by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, John Rutherford, Yvette D. Clarke, and Mary Gay Scanlon. This bipartisan legislation aims to bring federal investment to brain aneurysm research, an area in need of attention due to the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with the condition.

Approximately 30,000 people in America experience a ruptured brain aneurysm annually, with half of these cases resulting in death. A significant portion of survivors suffers from permanent neurological damage. Women, as well as African American and Hispanic individuals, face higher risks of aneurysm rupture.

Despite these alarming statistics, current federal spending on brain aneurysm research is minimal. The proposed legislation seeks to authorize $20 million per year through 2026 for research by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Funding is expected to be available until 2029. The legislation focuses on supporting research into early detection and prevention, ensuring diverse population studies, and enhancing existing research efforts.

Congressman Fitzpatrick emphasized that “Brain aneurysms are a silent threat—often striking without warning and leaving families shattered in an instant.” He highlighted that Ellie’s Law intends to provide necessary resources to improve early detection and treatment and confront ongoing disparities due to race and gender.

Representative Rutherford spoke on the importance of raising awareness and promoting critical research: “This legislation will support critical research to detect and treat unruptured brain aneurysms.”

Representative Clarke stressed the need for significant research funding: "Now more than ever, it is critical that we secure funding... [to] support essential research on brain aneurysms."

Representative Scanlon highlighted the underfunding of this area and the need for change: "Despite the tragically far-reaching... toll brain aneurysm ruptures have on our communities, they are one of the most underfunded disease research projects in the U.S."

Ellie’s Law is also supported by several organizations, including The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

“More than 1 in 50 Americans have an unruptured and often undetected brain aneurysm,” said Christine Buckley, Executive Director of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. She emphasized the necessity of research funding to mitigate the impact of aneurysms.

Erin Kreszl, Executive Director of The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention, remarked on its reintroduction: “Ellie's Law is being reintroduced on a bipartisan basis, reminding us that when we come together—across party lines, communities, and sectors—we can bring real change to the brain aneurysm community."

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