By Patrick Baron
SPRINGFIELD – New legislation could allow 16 and 17-year-olds to become registered organ donors.
In an effort to save lives, state representative Dan Brady is co-sponsoring the legislation, HB1805. Brady explained minors should be able to make the choice what happens to their organs in the event of an accident.
“Overall the important thing is to let be known the minor’s wishes if something were to happen,” said Brady. “And that’s something I think is very, very important for all of us and for organ and tissue donation.”
Brady also noted while minors may be able to have their wishes known, the final choice would be left up to the parents. He said the bill gives parents and legal guardians the authority to overturn their child’s decision until age 18.
“It does not take away that parental authority and I believe there are safeguards built into the bill to where Gift of Hope or the other procurement teams have to go to great, great extent before it would ever be a decision where they get to make the ultimate decision,” Brady explained.
47 states have similar legislation, including Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The bill was approved in the House on Thursday and now heads to the Senate for their consideration.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
