Obama signs bill for HIV organ donation

[William769]

President Obama signed into law on Thursday afternoon a bill approved by Congress with significant bipartisan support that lifts the ban on the donation of organs from HIV-positive people to others with HIV.

In a statement, Obama said he signed the legislation, called the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, or HOPE Act, to provide the opportunity for people with HIV to receive organ donations.

“The potential for successful organ transplants between people living with HIV has become more of a possibility,” Obama said. “The HOPE Act lifts the research ban, and, in time, it could lead to live-saving organ donations for people living with HIV while ensuring the safety of the organ transplant process and strengthening the national supply of organs for all who need them.”

First enacted in 1988 during the peak of AIDS crisis, the ban on the donation of organs from HIV-positive donors and related research was passed by Congress as part of the Organ Transplant Amendments Act.

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/11/21/obama-signs-bill-hiv-organ-donation/

I for one am grateful.

[lostincalifornia]

1. The only thing that might concern someone is different strains of HIV, and if someone

Donates with a more drug resistant strain to someone with a less drug resistant strain

[William769]

2. Thats a chance I'm willing to take.

As I'm sure most would. My antivirals play havoc with my liver & Kidneys.

At least for me death is not an option.

[lostincalifornia]

3. Please understand I was not arguing against it in any case, just that patients should be fully

Informed.

I also agree that most would take it

It will save lives

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Excellent!

What an appropriate name for the Act....HOPE!

Well done, Obama, well done!

[William769]

6. Very appropriate indeed.

[myrna minx]

5. That's wonderful! K&R