Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1520, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act.

This legislation is deeply personal for many families across the United States who have experienced unimaginable pain and loss simply because their loved ones had a disability.

One of those families is from my district in Ocala, Florida, Bobbi and Josh Sarmiento. Their infant son, baby Zion, was born with Down syndrome and in need of a heart transplant. At just 6 months old, Zion was denied that chance.

The doctors told the parents, Bobbi and Josh, that baby Zion's life wasn't worth the heart, that it couldn't ``be wasted'' on a child with a disability.

That is not just wrong, but it is inhumane. It should never ever happen again.

This bill that we are considering here today is named after Charlotte Woodward, a remarkable woman with Down syndrome who received a lifesaving heart transplant over a decade ago.

Charlotte's story is a living, breathing testament to the truth that we must affirm here today: Every life, regardless of disability, has value and potential.

I am so pleased to announce that Charlotte is with us here today in the gallery. I recognize you, Charlotte, and thank you for all that you do.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1520 ensures that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against in organ transplant eligibility. It gives families a mechanism for timely intervention, time that oftentimes families just don't have, through the Department of Health and Human Services, when medical decisions are clouded by bias rather than compassion and science.

I am proud to work once again with my colleague and friend Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in advancing this bipartisan effort. This bill passed overwhelmingly in the last Congress, and I am confident that this body will do what is right once again.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and fight for life.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source