Senate Unanimously Passes HIV Organ Policy Equity Act

On Monday, June 17, the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act (S. 330), which would repeal the ban on organ donation from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients. The bill would also allow research into the safety of such organ donation procedures.

This ban has been in place since 1988, a time of fear and lack of knowledge of HIV. This bill could save hundreds of lives, as well as shorten the waiting list for those awaiting organ donations. It is supported by numerous public health, political, and medical groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union, and AIDS United.