[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 55 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIONAL ORGAN TRANSPLANT ACT

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                        HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 6, 1998

  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the reauthorization 
of the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA). On behalf of the thousands 
of American patients currently awaiting a lifesaving organ, the many 
dedicated physicians, surgeons and scientists actively engaged in the 
research and practice of transplantation, I ask my colleagues to 
support the reauthorization of NOTA.
  As many of my colleagues know, two and a half years ago I underwent a 
successful liver transplant that saved my life and literally gave me a 
second chance. However, there are others that are not as fortunate as I 
was. Currently, there are over 58,000 people waiting for a lifesaving 
donor organ and an estimated eight people a day die waiting for an 
organ transplant. These alarming statistics translate into an increase 
of 255 percent over the last ten years. Although there have been many 
new scientific advances in the field of solid organ transplantation 
over the last eight years, the major obstacle continues to be that the 
demand for donor organs remains far less than the supply.
  Given the rapid scientific advancements and increasing numbers of 
patients requiring organ transplants, I believe that it is imperative 
to reexamine and update the nation's system for organ donation and 
transplantation. Over the last 30 years, transplantation of solid 
organs has moved from experimental to accepted therapy, with over 
20,000 transplants performed in 1997 alone. I am living proof that 
transplantation works, it saves lies and it improves the quality of 
people's lives. The success of this procedure has improved greatly over 
the last few years with almost all solid organ recipients enjoying an 
83 to 97 percent survival rate at one year. However, despite improved 
survival rates there still remains a serious donor shortage in this 
country and we must do more to increase awareness as to the importance 
of organ donation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the reauthorization of 
the National Organ Transplant Act. More importantly, I would urge my 
colleagues to talk to their families and loved ones about organ 
donation and make their intentions known so that someone can receive 
the ``gift of life.''

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