Texas House Bill HB2252

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibitions on the use of grant money awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to procure or obtain organs from a hospital located in China.

Impact

If enacted, HB2252 will amend the Health and Safety Code by specifically prohibiting any grant recipients from using awarded funds to engage in practices related to organ procurement from Chinese hospitals. This law would effectively restrict non-compliant projects from receiving state funding, thereby enforcing ethical standards in the types of research that Texas state funds can support. The CPRIT will also have to amend existing contracts with grantees to ensure they adhere to these new requirements, which could lead to a reevaluation of ongoing and future research funded by state grants.

Summary

House Bill 2252 is aimed at prohibiting the use of grant money awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) for any projects that involve procuring or obtaining organs from hospitals located in China. This legislation reflects growing concerns regarding ethical practices in organ transplantation and the sourcing of human tissues, particularly amidst broader discussions on human rights issues associated with medical practices in certain countries. The bill appears to be a direct response to apprehensions regarding the integrity and ethics of medical procedures performed in China, particularly in light of international criticisms regarding organ harvesting practices.

Contention

The bill may incite debate among stakeholders in the medical research community, particularly those involved in transplantation research, as it restricts potential partnerships and avenues of study that could otherwise benefit outcomes in the field. Supporters of the bill argue that it is crucial to maintain ethical standards and protect human rights, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in the sourcing of organs. Conversely, critics may contend that such measures could hinder innovative research opportunities and collaborations that are essential for advancements in medical practice and could lead to unintended consequences for Texas's role in the global health research ecosystem.