The law recently passed has made it possible to lift a ban on organ donors who are HIV-positive. The HOPE (HIV Organ Policy Equity) Act was finally passed. The law is for those who wish to donate their organs, even if they are HIV-positive. These organs are then given to fellow HIV-positive patients who are experiencing organ failure and are in need of a transplant. There are a number of issues that helped this law to pass, and here is a look at some of these, along with some of the benefits.

To begin with, the number of those needing an organ transplant is greater than the actual number of available organs, and this shortage creates waiting lists. In the meantime, modern medical therapies have greatly helped those with HIV to lead normal and healthy lives. This being the case, there are fewer deaths from HIV. However, there is a rise in the number of kidney and liver failures among those who are HIV-positive. This is becoming the number one cause of death amongst those living with the virus.

Each group in the case benefits with the passing of the HOPE Act: Organ donors who are HIV-positive can now donate and contribute in ways that they want to; the organ pool will now have hundreds (if not more) organs to choose from. This reduces the wait time for those in need of a transplant. For persons needing an organ who do not have HIV, the odds are now pushed in a more favorable direction as well: There are less people on the wait list, and the number of organs being donated is greater.

Medical research on how to better get HIV-positive organs into patients will further develop guidelines. In turn, better understanding of HIV-positive interactions between organs and patients should help increase the success rate of a transplant.