Senator Ashley Moody Introduces Legislation to Prevent Discrimination Against People with Disabilities in Organ Transplant System

May 16, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody this week introduced the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the organ transplant system. The bill is named for Charlotte Woodward, an individual with Down syndrome who received a lifesaving heart transplant over a decade ago.
Senator Ashley Moodysaid, “It is unfathomable that someone could be denied a lifesaving procedure based on a disability. In 2021, a 16-week-old baby from Florida, Zion Sarmiento, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect, passed away after being denied a heart transplant. That is devastating and frankly unacceptable. All human life is precious and valued and we must ensure that we are all afforded the same access to care under the law.”
Senator Maggie Hassansaid, “No one should be denied a life-saving organ transplant just because they have a disability. This bipartisan legislation helps prevent discrimination in our health care system against patients with disabilities who need organ transplants. I urge my colleagues to take up and pass this bill, and help make clear that, as Americans we believe in the fundamental worth of every human being.”
Senator Steve Dainessaid, “Every life matters, and denying patients live-saving organ transplants solely on the basis of disability is outright wrong. I’m proud to join my colleagues to make sure this discrimination is put to an end, and I’ll always fight to protect the dignity of all lives.”
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smithsaid, “No American should be denied the gift of life simply because they live with a disability.  In Mississippi, we’ve already taken steps to protect the rights for all patients, and I’m proud to support this legislation so those same protections are guaranteed nationwide.”
Senator Rick Scottsaid, “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing theCharlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Actto ensure equal access to organ transplants and related services, regardless of disability. Everyone deserves the opportunity to the care they require.”
Charlotte Woodward, an adult woman with Down syndrome, heart transplant recipient, Programs Associate at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the bill’s namesake said,“I am so grateful that my bill is being reintroduced in the Senate. We must ensure that all people with disabilities are given the same opportunity and access to organ transplantation that I had. People with disabilities have inherent value and worth and should not be ignored in the organ transplantation process.”
Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) said,“For far too long, individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities have been unfairly denied life-saving organ transplants due to outdated and discriminatory assumptions. The reintroduction of the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act is a critical step toward ensuring that every individual, regardless of disability, has equal access to the care they deserve. We commend Senator Ashley Moody and Senator Maggie Hassan for their steadfast leadership and dedication to ending this injustice.”
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