The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act (H.R. 2706/S. 1183)

 

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Pictured above is the National Down Syndrome Society’s Education and Programs Associate, Charlotte Woodward.

In a society full of equal rights advocates, topics or ideas to evoke positive change, are always on the table. Although, America has made significant strides towards creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible society for people with disabilities, there is still more change that needs to occur. Members of the disability community and other advocates work tirelessly to make these necessary changes. Many of these monumental changes begin at the federal level by enacting bills that support equity and justice. As citizens, it is important to be aware of the injustices that occur and stay informed of the efforts that are made to combat them. Currently, an important bill impacting individuals with disabilities, is being reviewed by the U.S. Government: The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act. 

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

(H.R. 2706/S. 1183) is a bill that will prohibit healthcare professionals from denying individuals with disabilities access to an organ transplant based solely on the purpose of their disability. Charlotte Woordward, an advocate with Down Syndrome who received a life saving heart transplant, along with many others recognize that people with disabilities are often neglected in the healthcare system, especially when it comes to organ donation. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) strongly supports the bill. They further discuss the importance of the bill on their social media. In an instagram post, a mother shares the story of her late son with Down Syndrome who was refused an organ transplant. She states, 

“In his final moments, I promised him I would make it my life’s mission to stop this type of discrimination and apologized for failing him. He was such a beautiful, loving soul. He deserved better. He deserved a chance at life…I am disheartened that not everyone recognized the beautiful, sweet, strong, and courageous boy my son was. I’m sad that he suffered the inequalities of medical bais and that this type of discrimination still exists for those with genetic differences.”

This bill is crucially important as it will ensure that people with disabilities are no longer left without an equal chance at life. The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act (H.R. 2706/S. 1183) is currently awaiting Senate approval. On April 18th, 2024 it was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. No progress has been made to date. I encourage you to follow and support this bill as it progresses through our government. To learn more about the bill visit NDSS: Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Toolkit or Congress.gov: S.1183. 

In friendship, 

Izabel Korbet 

YLC Member, New Hampshire