Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network > News & Views > News Blog > Bill Introduced to End Ban on Organ Donation and HIV Research
Bill Introduced to End Ban on Organ Donation and HIV Research
February 25th, 2013 by Nancy Ryan
HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act would end the federal ban on federal research into organ donations from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients.
Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network is pleased to share this news release with you, issued by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS). In an era where there is very little bipartisan spirit in Washington, we think this would be a major achievement. What do you think? Send us your comments (below).
The ASTS announces the introduction of the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Tom Coburn (R-OK). This bill would end the federal ban on federal research into organ donations from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients.
The bipartisan measure – also sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rand Paul (R-KY) – would open a pathway to the eventual transplantation of these organs.
The Boxer-Coburn bill would establish a regular review process in which the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary would evaluate the progress of medical research into these procedures. If the research demonstrates that transplants from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients can be safely and successfully completed, the HHS Secretary would have the authority to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to establish safe procedures to begin such transplantations.
ASTS thanks all its members who have been involved in this legislation and especially recognizes the tireless efforts of Dorry L. Segev, MD, PhD, and Brian J. Boyarsky, BA.
Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), a registered nurse, is introducing the legislation in the House of Representatives. The Senate bill was introduced on February 14, National Donor Day, which raises awareness about the need for more life-saving donations of organs, tissues, marrow, platelets, and blood nationwide.
The legislation has broad support from the medical community and advocacy groups.