Texas Senate Bill SR627

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Condemning the systematic, state-sanctioned harvesting of organs from prisoners of conscience in the People's Republic of China.

Impact

If adopted, SR627 would serve to formally acknowledge and condemn these human rights violations at the state level, thereby potentially influencing public opinion and policy regarding international medical tourism. The resolution could prompt discussions on the ethics of organ transplantation practices and serve as a warning about the risks associated with traveling to countries like China for organ transplants.

Summary

SR627 is a resolution condemning the systematic and state-sanctioned harvesting of organs from prisoners of conscience in the People's Republic of China. The resolution highlights extensive and credible reports that detail the unethical practices surrounding the organ transplant system in China. It references an independent tribunal's conclusions about the forced organ harvesting from prisoners, particularly targeting Falun Gong practitioners, who have faced severe persecution since the late 1990s.

Contention

The resolution brings to light critical ethical concerns concerning the methods of organ procurement in China, where there is a stark contrast with the ethical frameworks established by organizations such as the World Health Organization. Some may argue against the resolution on the grounds of its potential to stigmatize medical practices in other nations, while supporters will emphasize the necessity to protect human rights and raise awareness of the horrors inflicted on detained individuals under repressive regimes.