On Friday, Congressman Neal Dunn of Florida’s 2nd District introduced the Block Organ Transplant Purchases from China Act (BLOCK Act). The bill aims to stop federal reimbursement for organ transplants and related medical services when the source of the organ cannot be verified. Specifically, it would prevent any organ transplant procedure not procured from an entity participating in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) from receiving federal funds. This measure is intended to address concerns about illegal Chinese organ markets.
Congressman Dunn stated, “The Chinese Communist Party has a long track record of human rights violations stemming from illegal organ harvesting in their own country. Communist Party authorities regularly target Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in China for this barbaric practice. The United States must do everything in its power to ensure that we are not participating in illegal Chinese organ harvesting. The BLOCK Act is an important step toward ensuring that healthcare providers are not complicit in this atrocity and hold anyone who knowingly participates in this practice accountable.”
Congressman John Moolenaar added, “Forced organ harvesting in China is an atrocity that demands immediate action. The BLOCK Act is a critical step in ensuring that no federal funds are used to support the illegal and inhumane procurement of organs tied to China’s brutal, state-sponsored campaign. This bill holds healthcare providers accountable, preventing any complicity in the trafficking of organs from innocent victims in China—many of whom are political prisoners, Uyghurs, and religious minorities. As we confront this horrific abuse, the United States must send a clear message: we will not be complicit in this appalling crime. Americans who participate in this violation of human rights will face severe penalties.”
Congressman Gus Bilirakis commented, “There is overwhelming evidence that China has systemically targeted ethnic and religious minorities for forcibly acquired organ donation and that the country regularly violates internationally-accepted rules regarding organ donorship. We cannot remain silent in the face of these gross human rights violations and perpetuate the practice by offering a marketplace for the ill-gotten organs.”
The background information provided with the bill notes that multiple reports have identified China as a major harvester and trafficker of forcibly acquired organs. A study published by the American Journal of Transplantation found evidence suggesting physician involvement in executions by organ removal within China.
Experts estimate China’s human organ trafficking industry generates approximately $1 billion annually, driven by organs harvested from about 1.5 million concentration camp inmates.
The bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which monitors human rights issues related to Beijing, recommended passing legislation against forced organ harvesting as one of its top priorities for Congress and the Biden Administration.
If enacted, the BLOCK Act would prohibit federal reimbursement if an organ’s origin cannot be traced to an OPTN-participating entity and establish civil penalties for healthcare providers who knowingly participate in prohibited transplants.
Neal Dunn has represented Florida’s 2nd district since 2017 after succeeding Gwen Graham. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives and currently resides in Panama City.
