An earlier post on June 19, 2013 delved deeply into the rationale behind the HOPE Legislation currently in the U.S. Congress to permit cautious exploration of the use of HIV +ve donor organs for transplantation into HIV +ve recipients, along with appropriate observational research. At that time the Senate had unanimously passed the bill but the House of Representatives was just beginning to take action.
Now there is good news that on 7/17/13 the Energy and Commerce Committee of the House of Representative also voted unanimously to pass H.R. 698. Additional co-sponsors have also signed on to Representative Lois Capps' bill - now at a total of 51 (12% of the 435 Representatives). Now we await action from the entire House of Representatives.
This legislation is an important bipartisan effort, supported by multiple medical, patient and social organizations because it represents a potential win-win for everyone. Expansion of the organ donor pool, carefully supervised clinical research with informed consent of the participating subjects, oversight by the government, support of the major transplant organizations, potential reduction of transplant candidate deaths, etc.
Keep tuned to this blog for updates as additional steps happen. It is beginning to look like this legislative action may become real in the not too distant future.
Now there is good news that on 7/17/13 the Energy and Commerce Committee of the House of Representative also voted unanimously to pass H.R. 698. Additional co-sponsors have also signed on to Representative Lois Capps' bill - now at a total of 51 (12% of the 435 Representatives). Now we await action from the entire House of Representatives.
This legislation is an important bipartisan effort, supported by multiple medical, patient and social organizations because it represents a potential win-win for everyone. Expansion of the organ donor pool, carefully supervised clinical research with informed consent of the participating subjects, oversight by the government, support of the major transplant organizations, potential reduction of transplant candidate deaths, etc.
Keep tuned to this blog for updates as additional steps happen. It is beginning to look like this legislative action may become real in the not too distant future.
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