S. 1782 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, May 15, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryProtects disability rights in organ transplants
This bill says that hospitals and transplant centers that get federal money cannot refuse someone an organ transplant just because that person has a disability. They also cannot consider disability when deciding who goes on waiting lists or gets referred for transplant services. The only exception is if considering a disability is truly necessary for medical reasons, based on looking at each person's individual health situation.
How it affects you
If you have a disability and need an organ transplant, you cannot be denied one solely because of your disability status. Transplant centers must follow the same rules about fairness that apply to other medical services. The government will now track complaints about disability discrimination in transplants and work to enforce these protections.
Read the official summary (Reported to Senate, Jun 22, 2026)
Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
This bill expressly prohibits organ transplant service providers that receive federal funds and state and local government programs from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants on the basis of the individual's disability, except in limited circumstances.
Specifically, these entities may not take into account an individual's disability when providing transplant services, including with respect to eligibility, referrals for services, and placement on waiting lists. Entities must provide reasonable modifications to policies or appropriate auxiliary equipment and services unless doing so changes the fundamental nature of the program or activity involved. Any consideration of an individual's disability must be based on an individualized assessment and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable laws.
The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must consider for expedited resolution complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability with respect to organ transplant services. HHS must annually report to Congress on complaints received and recommendations to improve enforcement of the bill.
In addition, the bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's policies regarding allocating organs. This network is a public-private partnership linking professionals involved in the U.S. organ donation and transplantation system.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 1782
A BILL
Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
Sponsor: Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) · Introduced May 15, 2025 · Health · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 22, 2026: “Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 441.”
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 2 official versions.