Summary of HR 1503: Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025 (HR 1503) aims to combat the heinous practices of forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal. The bill seeks to establish a robust U.S. policy against these practices, promote voluntary organ donation systems, and hold accountable those involved in such activities, particularly targeting individuals associated with the Chinese Communist Party.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

1. Statement of Policy:

   • The U.S. will actively combat international trafficking for organ removal.
   • Promotion of voluntary organ donation systems in international forums.
   • Upholding human dignity in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
   • Accountability for individuals involved in forced organ harvesting.

2. Definitions:

   • Forced Organ Harvesting: Defined as the removal of organs through coercion, abduction, deception, fraud, or abuse of power.
   • Trafficking in Persons for Organ Removal: Involves recruitment, transportation, or transfer of individuals for organ removal through coercive means.

3. Passport Denial and Revocation:

   • The Secretary of State is authorized to deny or revoke passports for individuals convicted of offenses related to organ trafficking if they used a passport in the commission of the crime.

4. Reporting Requirements:

   • Amendments to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 require assessments of forced organ harvesting in foreign countries as part of annual reports.

5. Sanctions:

   • The President must submit a list of individuals facilitating forced organ harvesting within 180 days of enactment.
   • Sanctions will be imposed on these individuals, including property blocking and prohibiting transactions.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a wide-ranging impact by:
- Strengthening U.S. efforts to combat human trafficking and organ harvesting on an international scale.
- Enhancing the accountability of foreign officials and entities involved in these practices.
- Promoting ethical organ donation practices globally.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: February 21, 2025
• House Actions:
  • Passed by a significant majority (406-1) on May 7, 2025.
  • Received and read twice in the Senate on May 8, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (NJ)
• Cosponsor: William R. Keating (MA)

This legislation represents a critical step in addressing the grave issue of forced organ harvesting and aims to align U.S. foreign policy with human rights standards.