List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Mar-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The article “Right to Give Life” explored the topic of organ donation by people living with HIV. People with HIV can receive organ transplants, which they need at rates higher than their negative peers. But if a positive person wants to donate an organ, it’s another story: Federal law forbids HIV-positive people from donating organs — even to other positive people. While the HIV community and health care professionals are fighting to lift the ban, one couple shows why it is high time to change this outdated law.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
HIV Medicine Association Policy Statement: Federal Law Should Allow Clinical Research on the Safety and Effectiveness of HIV-Infected-to-HIV-Infected Organ Transplanation http://www.hivma.org/Policy_Statement_on_HIV_Infected_Organ_Transplantation_.aspx HIV Medicine Association Other Policy Issues: HIV-Infected-to-HIV-Infected Organ Transplantion http://www.hivma.org/HIV_Infected_Organ_Donation.aspx Federal National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. § 274). http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/policiesAndBylaws/nota.asp Transplant Study for People with HIV http://hivtransplant.com/ State Organ and Tissue Donor Registries http://organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html
Explain types of human sources used.
Charles Tripp — HIV positive individual who wanted to donate a lobe of his liver to his partner Will Sherbert Will Sherbert — Charles Tripp’s partner who was in need of a liver transplant (also HIV positive) Dorry Segev, MD — Johns Hopkins transplant surgeon who has spearheaded a campaign to overturn the ban of HIV-positive individuals donating organs Christopher Hughes, MD — Surgical director of liver transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh’s Starzl Transplant Institute
Results:
n/a
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
Charles Tripp continued his research and lobbied for Will Sherbert to get the liver transplant he needed. This summer, a liver from an HIV-negative donor became available and Sherbert had a successful liver transplant. http://donatelife-organdonation.blogspot.com/2012/06/transplant-recipient-fights-for-repeal.html
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
In addition to using expert sources, it’s a good idea to find individuals who are willing to share their personal story so readers are better able to understand the impact of a particular issue.