(Washington, D.C.) – Congressmembers Erin Houchin (R-IN-9) and Mike Rulli (R-OH-06) have introduced federal legislation stemming from a Batesville girl’s medical situation.
Rep. Houchin’s office says the COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act would ensure that no American is refused a transplant because of their personal or religious medical decisions.
The issue was brought to light by 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, who suffers from two serious heart conditions, was adopted from China at age four.
Her parents say Cincinnati Children’s Hospital will not put her on the transplant list because they are refusing the COVID-19 and flu shots.
The Deals have a religious exemption but say the hospital won’t honor it.
“Denying a child a life-saving transplant over a COVID-19 vaccine is not science, it’s cruelty,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “Hospitals exist to save lives, not impose medical mandates on vulnerable patients. Families deserve the freedom to make the best medical decisions for their loved ones, without fear of being blacklisted from life-saving care. This bill will put an end to this unjust practice.”
WRBI has reached out to Congresswoman Houchin’s office to find out where the bill stands in Congress.
