Advocate pushes for organ transplant access for Down syndrome

Charlotte Woodward, who has Down syndrome, received a heart transplant that saved her life. She wants others with the condition to have the same chances she did. Charlotte underwent multiple heart surgeries as a child. Eventually, doctors recommended a heart transplant after her health declined. Despite her Down syndrome, her cardiologist believed she should be on the transplant list. Charlotte received the transplant in January 2012, a decision she is very thankful for. Unfortunately, many other children with Down syndrome do not receive the same opportunities. For example, Zion Sarmiento, an infant in Florida, needed a transplant but was denied by several hospitals. He died shortly after birth in October 2021. Research shows that individuals with Down syndrome often face discrimination when seeking organ transplants. A report by the National Council on Disability revealed that less than half of individuals with disabilities were referred for evaluations. Many transplant centers consider Down syndrome as a reason not to perform a transplant, despite evidence that patients with Down syndrome have similar survival rates as those without it. Charlotte believes biases about disabilities lead to this discrimination. She is the namesake of a proposed law that aims to prevent such bias in organ transplants. The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Act was introduced again in February 2025. If passed, it could stop transplant centers from denying organs based on a disability. Charlotte's journey highlights the importance of equal treatment in healthcare. She hopes the new legislation will protect others with disabilities from discrimination and help them receive necessary medical care.