Life Saving Leave Act 

No one should have to say “no” to saving a life because they’re afraid of losing their job. Unfortunately, that’s the dilemma many bone marrow or blood cell donors face. The Life Saving Leave Act (H.R. 7770) aims to change that.

About 50% of registry members say “no” when asked to donate bone marrow or blood cells. One of the primary reasons is that they’re afraid they’ll lose their job or be penalized if they take time off. Federal legislation called the Life Saving Leave Act would eliminate that concern. It ensures bone marrow or blood cell donors nationwide can take up to 40 nonconsecutive, unpaid hours of leave. This will enable more to say “yes” when called upon to be a donor.

Some states have policies that protect donors. However, the amount of protection offered varies from state to state. Add in the fact that 90% of donors reside in a different state as their recipient match and need to travel, and the laws protecting donor jobs become even more gray. A national solution is needed to ensure that all patients have equal access to transplant, regardless of where their donor works or resides. 

View donor leave statutes by state (PDF) (Opens in a new tab)

The Life Saving Leave Act has minimal to no fiscal impact on employers due to the limited time off needed and number of donors involved.

Each year, fewer than 10,000 registry members are asked to donate. The entire donation process takes 20 to 30 hours spread out over 4 to 6 weeks. That time includes meetings with a donation coordinator, providing blood samples, a physical exam, injections of a pre-donation medication administered over five days, donation and a short recovery period. This bill would ensure job protection for up to 40 hours to remove any employment concerns for donors

While the impact on employers is small, for each patient needing a transplant, these potential donors represent hope for survival. 

Help spread the word about the need for the Life Saving Leave Act by reaching out to your members of Congress.