House Moving to Facilitate Paired Organ Donations
CQ Politics reports that The House (U.S. Government) was expected to pass legislation Tuesday to ease the way for organ donations by unrelated living donors.
The measure seeks to remove potential legal obstacles to paired organ donations.
These occur when a patient in need of a kidney or other organ donation has a living donor — typically a spouse or relative — whose organ is incompatible with that patient. But a second patient needing a kidney donation also has a living donor who is incompatible. If the donor for the second patient has an organ compatible with the first patient, and vice versa, a paired organ donation may take place.
The original version of the House bill clarified that paired kidney donations should not be considered to involve the transfer of a human organ for “valuable consideration.” Therefore, no criminal penalties would apply to paired kidney donations.
While that version applied only to kidney donations, the Senate passed a broader measure that allowed for “human organ paired donation and similar practices.”
The House is ready to go along with broadening the bill to allow paired donations of all human organs, but it insists on eliminating the phrase, “and similar practices.” The Senate now will have to decide whether to accept the House change and send the bill to President Bush for his signature.
Perth wins right to host 2008 Australian Transplant Games
MORE than 1,200 national and international competitors will descend on Perth next October to compete in the 11th Australian Transplant Games.
From Perth Now: Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said it would be the first time that Perth had played host in the biennial games' 20-year-history.
"The 2008 Australian Transplant Games consist of 19 sporting and recreational events over six days of competition," Ms McHale said.
"Events include everything from chess and backgammon to sports such as tennis, squash, athletics and swimming.
"Competitors include transplant recipients and people currently undergoing dialysis."
The Minister said the State Government had invested $50,000 into the event, which was expected to attract about 500 interstate and international visitors.
"I'd like to acknowledge Lotterywest's significant contribution of $150,000 which will enable significant community participation," Ms McHale said.
"The games, which run from October 4-11, 2008, promote physical activity and show that transplant recipients are able to return to a good quality of life.
"It also increases awareness of organ donation in the local community." Read the article.
Donors give the gift of life
The Bismarck Tribune reports that in August, a new state law made it possible for North Dakota teens to make the decision to be an organ donor on their driver's license application, although it is subject to parent permission. More than 1,000 North Dakota minors registered this way in two months. The article also discusses organ donation in general and the importance of talking to your family about your wishes regarding organ donation. Read the article.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
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