Utah is considering a new law that would let patients bring their blood for medical procedures or choose their blood donors.
The state House passed the bill with full support, despite concerns from the American Red Cross.
The proposal, led by Rep. Kristen Chevrier, argues that patients should have more personal choices in medical decisions, including using blood from trusted sources like family and friends.
Why Patients Want to Choose Their Blood
The idea of directed donations is not new. Under federal law, patients can receive blood from friends or family, but it must go through a strict screening process.
Some people feel this process doesn’t give them enough control over their medical choices.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients wanted to choose their blood donors due to fears about vaccine transmission, even though medical experts say those fears are unfounded.
What the Bill Would Change?
If the bill becomes law, Utah healthcare providers would have to allow patients to use their own blood or pick their donor, unless it’s an emergency.
Hospitals wouldn’t be responsible for any harm that might result from using the chosen blood. Similar laws are being considered in Texas and were previously discussed in Iowa and Kentucky but didn’t pass.
Concerns from Medical Experts
The American Red Cross and other health experts worry that the new law could negatively impact patient care.
They argue that the volunteer blood system is safe and reliable, with rigorous screening to protect patients.
Allowing directed donations could strain resources and lead to safety risks. For example, friends or family might feel pressured to donate and might not fully share their health history, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
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Why the Bill Is Controversial?
The bill is linked to ongoing debates about COVID-19 vaccines. Chevrier and some supporters have been vocal against COVID-19 shots and want to allow patients to pick unvaccinated donors.
However, health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state that there is no scientific evidence that vaccinated blood poses any risk. Vaccines do not transmit through blood transfusions or alter DNA.
What’s Next?
The bill now moves to the Utah Senate for consideration. If passed, it would make Utah one of the few states to allow this level of choice in blood donations.
Supporters say it’s about giving people control over personal health decisions, while opponents worry about safety and the impact on blood availability.
The debate continues as lawmakers balance personal choice with public health concerns.
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