House Resolution 281: Update
In response to China’s excessive abuse of prisoners and prisoners of conscience as a primary source of organs for transplantation, U.S. congressional House Resolution 281 has been introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla), and Rep. Rob Andrews (D-N.J).
The resolution expresses concern over systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China, and calls for the U.S. government to condemn China’s organ harvesting practices.
As American patients continue to travel to China for rapid organ transplants and the medical community continues training Chinese doctors, this resolution will help our doctors, patients, hospitals, and universities make informed decisions and take an ethical stance regarding organ transplantation while avoiding becoming an accomplice to this heinous crime.
This is the first US resolution specific to forced organ harvesting, and by October 24, it has gained support since its introduction on June 28, 2013, with 150 cosponsors, including 21 who are members of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FA). Before H.Res.281 can be voted on in the House, two procedures must be satisfied. The FA Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific must mark it up, then the FA full Committee must mark it up as well. Finally the resolution will be assigned a floor schedule for consideration by a vote.
Track the House Resolution 281 here.
