Kentuckiana Times

Congresswoman Erin Houchin from Indiana and Congressman Mike Rulli of Ohio have introduced the COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act. This legislation aims to prevent hospitals from denying organ transplants based solely on a patient's COVID-19 vaccination status.

The issue gained attention due to the case of 12-year-old Adaline Deal, who was denied a heart transplant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital because she had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Adaline suffers from two serious heart conditions and was adopted from China by her parents, Jeneen and her husband. They argue that they should be allowed to make medical decisions for their child without interference.

Congresswoman Houchin stated, “Denying a child a life-saving transplant over a COVID-19 vaccine is not science, it’s cruelty.” She emphasized that hospitals are meant to save lives rather than enforce medical mandates on patients.

Congressman Rulli expressed strong disapproval of such hospital policies, saying: “This is sick. This is inhumane. This is unacceptable.” He believes that no one should be denied a transplant due to personal or religious beliefs.