Press Releases

Today, Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced the Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act, which will prevent life insurance companies from being able to discriminate in the offering, issuance, cancellation, price or conditions of a life insurance policy, or in the amount of coverage provided under a life insurance policy, based solely on the status of an individual as a living kidney donor. The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Don Davis (D-NC-01) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02). It is also endorsed by the National Kidney Registry (NKR).

"Someone who donates a kidney is giving someone the gift of life," said Congressman Lawler. "No good deed should go punished, especially not one that saves a life. Studies show that donating a kidney does not impact life expectancy. It shouldn't have an impact on someone's life insurance, either, and my new bill will ensure that it doesn't. I'm proud to introduce the Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to get this important bill passed and signed into law."

"Kidney donors are already doing one of the most selfless things an individual can do, and punishing them for their actions makes no sense," said Congressman Van Drew. "It is a no-brainer that we protect these donors and ensure they face no unnecessary hardship, especially when it comes to life insurance, where they should be supported, not penalized, for their generosity."

"We must never punish living organ donors who are making a selfless sacrifice for others," said Congressman Don Davis. "Eastern North Carolinians are suffering from significant health disparities, and the last thing we should do is discourage good Samaritans."

"With approximately 90,000 people on the kidney transplant waitlist, every barrier to donation costs lives," said Garet Hil, National Kidney Registry (NKR) CEO and Founder, and a living kidney donor himself. "The NKR is grateful for the leadership of our congressional champions on the Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act and is excited to endorse this critical bill to ensure donors are not penalized for their selflessness and courage."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.