More than 9 million registered marrow donors in the United States but fewer than 10,000 Americans receive matches
Many bone marrow donors decline to donate in fear of losing their job
Bill will alleviate concerns by safeguarding donation-related leave for potential donors
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to remove obstacles to bone marrow donation and improve the chances of finding a match for patients in need of bone marrow. The Lifesaving Leave Act will ensure potential bone marrow donors can take leave from work to undergo marrow donation activities, which could vastly expand the pool of eligible donors.
“Too many people waiting for bone marrow transplants can’t find a match because donors can’t take time off from work,” said Senator Casey. “I’m fighting for this bill because every potential donor has the opportunity to save a life, and we must ensure the fear of losing your job is not a barrier to doing so.”
“Americans deciding to make a lifesaving bone marrow or blood cell donation should not have to worry about losing their job. Patients with life-threatening conditions depend on them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation makes it easier for Americans to provide these crucial donations to save lives.”
The Lifesaving Leave Act would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to permit leave for bone marrow or blood stem cell donation. Specifically, it would allow eligible employees a total of 40 nonconsecutive hours of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to donate and engage in the necessary pre-donation and post-donation activities for bone marrow and stem cell donation.
Read more about the Lifesaving Leave Act here.
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