Ranking Member Cassidy, Casey Introduce Legislation to Increase Bone Marrow Donations, Reduce Barrier to Donate

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation to remove obstacles to bone marrow and blood donations and improve the chances of finding a match for patients in need. The Lifesaving Leave Act ensures potential bone marrow and blood donors can take leave from work to undergo donation activities, which could vastly expand the pool of eligible donors. 

“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.” 

“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.”

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.

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