FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2011

Contact Libby Batlan (503) 986-14468

Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

SALEM-The Oregon House of Representatives today passed HB 2852, strengthening protections of organ donors. HB 2852 ensures that an Oregonian's decision to donate organs is respected following their death, unless they specifically give a spouse or family member the ability to rescind their decision.

The bill strengthens the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, adopted in Oregon in 2006, by providing donors more autonomy to make an anatomical gift.

State Representative Dave Hunt is the chief sponsor of the bill, and Representatives Michael Dembrow, Margaret Doherty, Sara Gelser, and Mary Nolan are co-sponsors of HB 2852.

During floor debate, Hunt recounted a personal experience last week where his mother-in-law was asked after the death of her husband if she wished to rescind his request.

"My father-in-law's wishes were to donate his organs and those wishes should be respected upon his death," said Rep. Hunt (D-Clackamas). "Currently, thousands of patients are waiting for critical organ and tissue transplants-and their time is precious. We must do all we can to ensure the personal decision to give an anatomical gift is honored and respected by our state."

"This is a simple issue," said Rep. Mitch Greenlick (D-House District 33), "HB 2852 protects the personal decision to give an anatomical gift, but also allows for people to still designate and expressly authorize agents or health care representatives to change their decision. It puts Oregon on the cutting edge of organ donation."

HB 2852 does not affect parent-child decisions, and retains in statute that a parent or guardian can give an anatomical gift of a minor, as well as change that decision.

"The selfless act of organ and tissue donation can save a life, or even multiple lives," said Rep. Doherty (D-Tigard). "The donation and transplant process is arduous enough, so we must do all we can to streamline and simplify the giving of anatomical gifts."

This bill is supported by Donate Life NW and the Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank. It will now move to the Senate after passing the House 60-0.