State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, has filed a bill aimed at safeguarding citizens’ DNA from foreign adversaries and to stand up against human rights violations due to illegal organ harvesting.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, has filed a bill aimed at safeguarding citizens’ DNA from foreign adversaries and to stand up against human rights violations due to illegal organ harvesting.
The Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act addresses genomic security and ensures the state is disconnected from China’s illegal organ harvesting practices.
“Genetic sequencers have revolutionized medicine and research, but companies from places like China are collecting our data from their products in the U.S.,” Terry said. “China has built one of the world’s largest gene banks, using this data for surveillance and military purposes.”
Genetic information plays a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, developing new drugs and advancing our understanding of biology. Researchers use blood or saliva samples and analyze the DNA with bioinformatics software to identify genetic variations and mutations.
This bill would prohibit the use of genetic sequencers or software from nations designated as foreign adversaries by the federal government.
A 2022 study found that China is violating the ‘dead donor rule,’ and is performing ‘execution by organ transplantation.’
The organ trade, including illegal organ transplants, generates significant income with annual estimates ranging from $840 million to $1.7 billion, according to a report by Global Financial Integrity.
“While there is no evidence that this has occurred in Tennessee, this legislation aims to protect our citizens and stand against human rights violations being carried out by China,” Terry emphasized.
This bill also prohibits a health insurer from knowingly covering organ transplants in China or any transplants involving organs sold or donated by Chinese sources.
The Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act passed unanimously out of the House Health Subcommittee on Feb. 19, and is scheduled to be heard in the House Health Committee on Feb. 25.
Bryan Terry, MD, represents House District 48 which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County.
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