Texas Senate committee weighs bill to protect directed and autologous blood donations after families say access was cut

Summary

Lawmakers heard emotional testimony from families and physicians urging protection for directed and autologous blood donations after a local blood center curtailed the practice; hospitals and blood centers warned the bill as written could create safety and operational problems. The measure was left pending for further work with stakeholders.

Senators in the Committee on Health & Human Services heard more than two hours of testimony Wednesday on Senate Bill 125, a bill by Sen. Charles Hall that would require certain hospitals and blood centers to accept and facilitate directed and autologous blood donations for planned procedures when a patient (or the patient’s representative) provides notice in advance.

Supporters said the practice allows patients with rare blood types or chronic transfusion needs to receive fresher, better-matched blood and can cut the frequency of transfusions. Dr. Gloria Danielle Gamboa, a licensed physician who treats two children with homozygous beta thalassemia major, told the committee the girls “stopped getting sick” after the family organized known donors and used directed donations. Mother Tanya Lair said the family’s health “got turned upside down” in 2023 when Carter Blood Care told them their donors could no longer…

Texas Senate committee weighs bill to protect directed and autologous blood donations after families say access was cut

Summary

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