Yesterday, Congressional leaders introduced legislation to end the research ban on organ donation from HIV-Positive donors to HIV-Positive transplant recipients. The HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act would create a potential path for HIV-positive organs to be donated to HIV-positive patients, thus potentially saving the lives of transplant patients languishing on waiting lists.
Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the legislation, which charges the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with setting up a research protocol to determine the effectiveness of positive-to-positive transplants, and to ensure the safety of the existing transplant system.
But they need your help! If you truly care about organ donation rights for all, call your two Senators and one member of the House of Representatives today and ask them to consider co-sponsoring the Hope Act.
The Capitol Switch Board number is: 202-225-3121. Ask to speak with the Health Legislative Assistant and let them know you support the HOPE act.
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