Cutting prison time for inmates who donate organs considered
March 11, 2007 -- AP - COLUMBIA, S.C. –
Inmates in South Carolina could soon find that a kidney is worth 180 days.
Lawmakers are considering legislation that would let prisoners donate organs or
bone marrow in exchange for time off their sentences.
A state Senate panel on Thursday endorsed creating an organ-and-tissue donation
program for inmates. But legislators postponed debate on a measure to reduce the
sentences of participating prisoners, citing concern that federal law may not
allow it.
"I think it's imperative that we go all out and see what we can do," said the
bills' chief sponsor, Democratic Sen. Ralph Anderson. "I would like to see us
get enough donors that people are no longer dying."
The proposal approved by the Senate Corrections and Penology Subcommittee would
set up a volunteer donor program in prisons to teach inmates about the need for
donors. But lawmakers want legal advice before acting on a bill that would shave
up to 180 days off a prison sentence for inmates who donate.
South Carolina advocates for organ donations said the incentive policy would be
the first of its kind in the nation.
Federal law makes it illegal to give organ donors "valuable consideration."
Lawmakers want to know whether the term could apply to time off of prison
sentences.
"We want to make this work, we really do," said Republican Sen. John Hawkins.
"But I want to make sure no one goes to jail for good intentions."
Mary Jo Cagle, chief medical officer of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in
Greenville, urged senators to find an allowable incentive.
"We have a huge need for organs and bone marrow," Cagle said.
But Melissa Blevins, executive director of Donate Life South Carolina, said any
incentive would break the law and the principle behind donations.
"It really muddies the water about motive. We want to keep it a clearly
altruistic act," she said.
Under the proposals, money for medical procedures and any prison guard overtime
would be paid by the organ recipient and charitable groups. The state would also
decide which inmates could donate.
