Gov. Ruth Ann Minner Holds First Bill Signing, Clarifying The Intent Of Organ Donors In Delaware
Dover – Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed her first bill into law on Wednesday, clarifying the intent of an organ donor and ensuring that the donor’s wishes are carried out.
Under Senate Bill 4, authored by State Senator Thurman Adams, the wishes of people who sign organ donor cards cannot be overruled by their family members. The law also applies to organ- donation wishes conveyed on state driver’s licenses. About 60 percent of Delawareans with drivers licenses have signed up for the organ donor program, more than any other state.
“When someone passes away, it is a trying and emotional time for everyone involved,” Gov. Minner said. “But we should ensure that the wishes of a deceased loved one are carried out.”
“We hope this bill will make life a little easier or even save the life of someone in need,” Sen. Adams said. “Deciding to become an organ donor is a very personal choice. Those who we leave behind should honor our wishes. This bill makes it clear our desire to become an organ donor will be honored.”
State Rep. Gerald Buckworth, a bill sponsor and an organ transplant recipient, said, “I am pleased to see that this bill is the first piece of legislation that Gov. Minner will sign into law. It is a wonderful example of cooperation that will enhance, and save, the lives of countless Delawareans.”
Also present at the signing ceremony was the Cinderella family of Bear. Andrew Cinderella, now 10, received a liver transplant when he was six months old. His father, Tom, said time was of the essence.
“Andrew would not have been able to survive more than another 48 hours without a new liver, and another liver did not become available for another ten days,” Tom Cinderella said.
Jan L. Weinstock, vice president and general counsel for the Gift of Life Donor Program said, “The language of Senate Bill 4 highlights the importance of the decision and emphasizes that an individual’s decision must be respected by their family. We applaud Delaware’s initiative to ensure that an individual’s wish to give the gift of life to a patient awaiting a life-saving organ transplant will be acted upon.”
In 2000, Gift of Life Donor Program and its partnering healthcare professionals helped to facilitate more than 1,000 organ transplants. There are currently over 3,800 people in our region who are awaiting life-saving organ transplants.
Gov. Minner on Wednesday also signed the following bills into law: HB12, a charter change for Ocean View; HB 42, a charter change for Laurel; and SB 9, reincorporating Selbyville.
