Utah Republicans ignited a heated healthcare debate Wednesday as lawmakers unanimously approved legislation requiring medical facilities to accept patient-supplied blood. The Bring Your Own Blood bill responds to lingering vaccine safety concerns despite FDA assurances about transfusion safety.
Sponsored by Rep. Kristen Chevrier, a former anti-vaccine organizer, HB 287 emerged from pandemic-era anxieties about mRNA transmission through blood banks.
Patients deserve autonomy over their biological choices,Chevrier argued during floor debates. When hospitals deny directed donations, they override personal health sovereignty.
The American Red Cross reports a 22% surge in directed donation requests since 2021, though medical experts confirm vaccines don’t alter blood DNA or transmit through transfusions. Current federal rules allow personal donors but permit facilities to reject requests after rigorous health screenings.
This legislation threatens blood bank stability,warned Daniel Parra of Red Cross Utah. Prioritizing unverified donor blood could delay critical trauma care and increase Hepatitis/HIV risks by 12-17%.
The proposal carves four key exceptions:
- Emergency trauma cases requiring immediate transfusions
- Donors failing basic health screenings
- Rare blood type mismatches
- Children under 18 without guardian consent
Texas and Kentucky Republicans recently proposed similar measures, though both failed amid liability concerns. Utah’s version uniquely shields hospitals from lawsuits over complications from patient-supplied blood.
Medical ethicist Dr. Emily Torres warns:
Legitimizing unfounded vaccine fears could revive disproven blood myths. We’re compromising science for political theater.
Proponents counter with personal stories like cancer survivor Gayle Ruzicka’s testimony:
After rejecting vaccinated blood during chemotherapy, my recovery improved dramatically.No peer-reviewed studies support such claims.
The bill moves to Utah's Senate next week, where pharmaceutical lobbyists plan renewed opposition. With 53% of Utahns supporting expanded medical autonomy in recent polls, the controversial measure could set a national precedent.