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Bill

SB 672

Relating to: prohibiting knowingly covering organ transplantation and related care under health insurance policies and the Medical Assistance program if the organ is transplanted in or originates from a country known to have participated in forced organ harvesting. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by André Jacque and 4 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill prohibits insurance coverage for organ transplants sourced from countries practicing forced organ harvesting, balancing human rights concerns against potential barriers to life-saving medical treatment.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 672

Legislative bill overview

SB 672 would prohibit Wisconsin health insurance policies and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) from covering organ transplants and related care if the organ originates from or is transplanted in countries documented as practicing forced organ harvesting. The bill targets countries with credible evidence of systematic organ procurement from prisoners, religious minorities, or other vulnerable populations without consent.

Why is this important

Organ trafficking and forced harvesting remain serious human rights violations documented by international organizations. This bill attempts to use insurance coverage as leverage to discourage participation in or support of these practices. The policy affects both individual insurance decisions and public healthcare spending, raising questions about enforcement mechanisms and unintended consequences for transplant recipients.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "known to have participated": No clear criteria for which countries qualify, who determines this designation, and whether designations can change—potentially creating legal uncertainty for insurers and patients
  • Patient harm concerns: Restricting coverage may prevent life-saving transplants for Wisconsin residents if organs from restricted countries become necessary; creates ethical tension between human rights goals and individual medical needs
  • Enforcement complexity: Difficult to verify organ origin in real-time medical emergencies; may create administrative burdens for insurers and hospitals without clear compliance pathways
  • International relations: Could strain diplomatic relationships and may conflict with federal healthcare agreements or treaty obligations
  • Definitional gaps: Unclear how bill addresses partial transplants, organs from dual-citizen donors, or organs from countries with mixed records on the issue

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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