Rep. Van Duyne Introduces the “Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act”

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) recently introduced the “Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act,” which offers common-sense reforms to improve the air transportation of human organs.

“When I visited the Southwest Transplant Alliance in Dallas last month, I was appalled to learn that bureaucratic red tape is preventing viable organs from reaching patients in need,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “I’m introducing the Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act to make it easier to transport life-saving organs. Over the last two decades, it’s become unnecessarily difficult to fly these vital organs to recipients, and we must come together to pass these reforms in the interest of saving more lives.”

“Organ donors and their families selflessly give the gift of life to those who await a life-saving transplant,” said Bradley L. Adams, President & CEO of the Southwest Transplant Alliance. “We owe it to these heroes to make sure their gifts are handled with the utmost care. This legislation will do just that, and we are proud to have partnered with Congresswoman Van Duyne to bring it forward.”

Background: After the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks on our nation, the ability for human organs to fly above the wings in commercial aircraft was removed. Now, organs are relegated to flying in the cargo hold, which has created confusion, delays, and even the destruction of these organs.

Original cosponsors of the Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act include Reps. Mark Green (TN-07), Rich McCormick, M.D. (GA-06), and Mike Collins (GA-10). You can view the full text of the bill here.

Photo: Rep. Van Duyne met with Bradley L. Adams, President & CEO of the Southwest Transplant Alliance, at the organization’s headquarters, which is located in Dallas, TX.