OHSU changes policy; immigrant to go on transplant list
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon Heath & Science University reversed course and will put an immigrant living in the U.S. illegally on its waiting list for a liver transplant.
The Portland hospital informed 46-year-old Silvia Lesama-Santos on Monday that she was ineligible because she lacked “lawful permanent residence or immigration documentation.”
The hospital changed its decision Tuesday night after the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon publicized the woman’s plight and started an online petition.
In a statement, OHSU said its leaders had been unaware of the “archaic” policy, and it has been terminated.
The ACLU says Lesama-Santos has lived in the Portland area for three decades. The mother of four has health insurance through her husband’s employer.
