OHSU officials: 'Archaic policy' caused transplant denial for undocumented woman

Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University terminated an organ transplant policy Feb. 7 after it was used to deny a liver transplant to an undocumented woman a day earlier, reports KATU.

OHSU sent a letter to 46-year-old Silvia Lesama-Santos Monday stating she was ineligible to receive a lifesaving transplant because she lacked residence or immigration documentation.

After Ms. Lesama-Santos received the letter, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon started an online petition to get the hospital to change its policy.

"Denying [Ms. Lesama-Santos] a transplant based on her immigration status is effectively a death sentence," said Andrea Williams, executive director of Causa Oregon, an immigrant rights organization, according to KATU.

OHSU said in a statement its leaders had been unaware of the "archaic policy," and as soon as they were told, they rescinded it immediately.

"We deeply regret the pain this has caused the family," OHSU said in a statement, according to the report. "OHSU is committed to serving our entire community — all are welcome at OHSU, and this policy does not reflect our values."

OHSU's legal team is conducting an audit to make sure there are no similar policies in place. 

Ms. Lesama-Santos has now been added to the transplant list.

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