Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., stated Tuesday that House investigations into organ procurement organizations have been intensified by new whistleblower reports and concerning testimony.
According to the Representative, lawmakers are uncovering widespread issues within an industry tasked with safeguarding lifesaving donations. He told Newsmax specifically, “The issues emerging require strict scrutiny.”
Smith detailed concerns including cancerous organs being transplanted, cases where organs were mistakenly harvested from patients showing signs of life, and one instance where over 89 days, 103 organ donation processes were incorrectly initiated.
Heather Knuckles shared her mother’s experience receiving an ultimately rejected cancerous organ. A former employee, Nycki Martin, also highlighted problems related to transplanting organs from patients who appeared alive.
The Representative further condemned the practices of some organ procurement organizations, referencing reports that detailed misuse of taxpayer funds and improper handling procedures.
Smith emphasized the need for greater accountability and oversight in what was described as a system responsible for more than 48,000 donor recipients last year.
