H.R.1503 - Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1503, the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025, aims to combat international trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal. It establishes policies to promote voluntary organ donation systems and hold accountable those involved in forced organ harvesting, including members of the Chinese Communist Party. The bill defines key terms like "forced organ harvesting" and "trafficking in persons for purposes of the removal of organs.
The Act authorizes the Secretary of State to deny or revoke passports of individuals convicted of offenses related to organ trafficking. It also mandates reports on forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons in foreign countries, amending the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include these assessments in required reports.
Furthermore, the bill directs the President to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in forced organ harvesting or trafficking, including property blocking and visa ineligibility, with certain exceptions for humanitarian assistance and international obligations.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase scrutiny and sanctions against individuals and entities involved in forced organ harvesting, particularly targeting those in foreign countries. It will also require increased reporting and assessment of organ harvesting practices in foreign nations.
Denying or revoking passports of convicted individuals may deter participation in organ trafficking. The sanctions imposed could disrupt the financial networks supporting these activities.
However, the effectiveness of the act will depend on the enforcement and implementation of the sanctions and reporting requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Increased protection of human rights by combating forced organ harvesting.
- Greater accountability for perpetrators of organ trafficking, potentially deterring future offenses.
- Enhanced international cooperation in addressing and preventing forced organ harvesting.
- Improved transparency through mandated reporting on organ harvesting practices in foreign countries.
- Potential for increased trust in organ donation systems by ensuring ethical practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for diplomatic tensions with countries where forced organ harvesting is alleged to occur.
- Risk of unintended consequences from sanctions, impacting legitimate economic activities.
- Possible challenges in accurately identifying and verifying instances of forced organ harvesting.
- Limited impact if international cooperation is not forthcoming.
- Exceptions for humanitarian assistance could be exploited to circumvent sanctions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of human rights and justice, which are implicit in the Constitution's commitment to "establish Justice" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty." The power of Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) supports the imposition of sanctions on those involved in international organ trafficking.
The authority granted to the Secretary of State to deny or revoke passports is consistent with the federal government's power over foreign affairs. However, the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment requires that any such actions be carried out with fair procedures and protections for the individuals involved.
While the bill does not directly implicate the Bill of Rights, its focus on preventing human rights abuses aligns with the broader constitutional framework.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).