Rockland Reporter

Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) has introduced the Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act. This legislation aims to prevent life insurance companies from discriminating against individuals based solely on their status as living kidney donors. The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Don Davis (D-NC-01) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), and it has received endorsement from the National Kidney Registry (NKR).

"Someone who donates a kidney is giving someone the gift of life," said Congressman Lawler. "No good deed should go punished, especially not one that saves a life. Studies show that donating a kidney does not impact life expectancy. It shouldn't have an impact on someone's life insurance, either, and my new bill will ensure that it doesn't. I'm proud to introduce the Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to get this important bill passed and signed into law."

Congressman Van Drew emphasized the importance of protecting kidney donors: "Kidney donors are already doing one of the most selfless things an individual can do, and punishing them for their actions makes no sense. It is a no-brainer that we protect these donors and ensure they face no unnecessary hardship, especially when it comes to life insurance, where they should be supported, not penalized, for their generosity."

Congressman Don Davis highlighted health disparities in his statement: "We must never punish living organ donors who are making a selfless sacrifice for others. Eastern North Carolinians are suffering from significant health disparities, and the last thing we should do is discourage good Samaritans."

Garet Hil, CEO and Founder of the National Kidney Registry (NKR), expressed support for the legislation: "With approximately 90,000 people on the kidney transplant waitlist, every barrier to donation costs lives. The NKR is grateful for the leadership of our congressional champions on the Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act and is excited to endorse this critical bill to ensure donors are not penalized for their selflessness and courage."

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.