Congressman Lou Barletta Follows Up As 10-Year-Old Girl Gets New Lung
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The ten-year-old, critically ill Delaware County girl whose desperate search for a donor lung captured national attention is undergoing surgery today at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia after a donor lung became available.
WPHT's Dick Morris and Gary R'nel spoke with Congressman Lou Barletta to follow up about gravely ill Sarah Murnaghan of Newtown Square, Pa.
"I think what Sarah is going through and the fact that this got the national attention that it did is just an example and shining a light on the fact that we cannot let bureaucrats here in Washington make decisions when it comes to our medical decisions," said Barletta. "The law here that said you have to be 12 or older obviously has not kept up with modern medicine."
"Sarah's doctors said an adult lung can be modified," said Barletta. "Sarah did not want to go to the front of the line, she just wanted to get in line. The mortality rate for children between the ages of six and 11 is incredible when it comes to cystic fibrosis. This could be a new beginning for so many children."
On June 4th, The Dicks Morris Show spoke with Barletta about him asking the government to break the rules to save Sarah (See Previous Story).
The next day, a judge issued a restraining order that would allow Sarah to receive a lung and have a transplant (See Previous Story).
"I think the attention this has gotten will obviously bring attention to the fact of how important it is to become a donor and the lives that it can save. But if this ruling is changed, this gives so many children a chance," said Barletta.
Dick Morris asked Barletta to urge Governor Tom Corbett for an Opt Out provision in the organ donor list as a result of today's outcome for Sarah.
"Why can't the law be changed to an opt out? It would still give people the freedom to say 'I don't want my organs taken,' but there's a box on your license where you say you do not want it as opposed to check here if you do want it - probably doubling, I'm guessing the supply of organs," said Morris.
"I think it's a great point," said Barletta. "I think what Sarah and her parents have gone through, bringing this to the forefront of our country, I think this is a good point."
To listen to the full WPHT interview, click here.
