News

Across the United States, Americans with disabilities have been denied access to vital organ transplants purely due to their disability.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act to prohibit healthcare providers, and matching entities, from discriminating against patients who need organ transplants solely on the basis of disability.

• “As Americans, we believe in the fundamental worth of every human being, regardless of their physical abilities. This bill will protect the rights of some of our most vulnerable citizens and ensure they are not discriminated against in their time of need. I am proud to lead this effort with Senator Hassan to ensure that all patients receive the same access to care, regardless of their disability status.” – Senator Rubio 

• “NDSS is thrilled to see the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act reintroduced. The passage of this act will not only save countless lives but it sends a strong message that the discrimination of people with disabilities, especially in the organ transplant process, will not be tolerated. Thank you to Senators Marco Rubio and Maggie Hassan for their work on this bill and for recognizing the incredible value people with Down syndrome bring to society.” –Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

Flashback … Senator Rubio originally introduced this bill in December 2021, after Zion, a 16-week old Floridian baby, died after being denied a heart transplant due to his Down syndrome diagnosis.

Want more information? 

• December 2021: Rubio, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Prevent Organ Transplant Discrimination Against Patients With Disabilities