Illinois bill would allow HIV-positive people to donate organs

The Illinois senate approved on Wednesday by a 55-2 vote a measure that would make Illinois the first state to let HIV-positive people donate organs to others with the virus. The bill, which the state house approved in March, now goes to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The governor's office has not had a chance to look at the bill closely enough to decide whether the governor will sign it, but it is under review, said spokeswoman Cheryle Jackson. If the bill is approved, Illinois will work with the United Network for Organ Sharing--the organization that coordinates the nation's organ transplant system--to change policies that prohibit such procedures. Infected organs are useful for other HIV-positive patients who are living longer because of medical advances, some doctors say. Currently, HIV-positive people are not permitted to donate any organs. (AP)