Massachusetts Bill Would Allow Prisoners to Donate Organs and Bone Marrow for Sentence Reduction

BOSTON (WWLP) — A bill tabled in Beacon Hill has made national headlines. The new bill would allow prisoners to donate their bone marrow or organs for a reduced sentence. Some say it will save lives, others think it’s extreme.

The bill was introduced this session by Representatives Carlos Gonzalez and Judith Garcia. If a prisoner made a donation, his sentence would be reduced between 60 days and one year.

When Rep. Garcia tweeted about the bill, it was immediately criticized by supporters for being “coercive” and “disgusting.” According to Garcia’s tweet, there is currently no avenue for a prisoner to donate, and this bill would create that.

Prisoners’ legal services deal with legislation.

In a statement, they said: ‘We recognize the issues the sponsors of the bill are trying to address, but we are concerned about the potential for coercion and the impact of inadequate medical care in prison settings. We believe the solution must target the underlying structural issues leading to health disparities.

However, Rep. Carlos Gonzalez believes it’s all about fairness: “We must provide every incarcerated person with the advice of medical experts and advocates to ensure they have the same rights and opportunities that every individual in Massachusetts has for their lives. save the life of his mother, father, brother, sister, child or friend”.

According to Gonzalez’s office, two out of three white people find a bone marrow match, while people of color have less than a 50 percent chance of finding a match.

Gonzalez said he was open to discussions regarding the time reduction and whether that aspect of the bill was appropriate.