Congresswoman introduces bill after Batesville girl denied from transplant list

The 812 was the first to cover this story

(WASHINGTON, DC) – A federal bill has been introduced stemming from a medical situation involving a 12-year-old Batesville girl. 

Adaline Deal was born with two  heart conditions and will likely need a transplant. Her family says Cincinnati Children’s Hospital won’t put her on the transplant list because they are refusing the COVID-19 and flu shot. They have a religious exemption but says the hospital will not honor it. 

The 812 was the first to share Adeline's story and the situation is now making international headlines.

Another component to the story is that the Deal family is related by marriage to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. 

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-9) and a congressman from Ohio introduced legislation on Friday.  

The COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act would ensure no American is refused a transplant over their personal or religious medical decisions.

Rep. Houchin pointed to Adeline's case as a reason why she believes this bill needs to become law.

“Denying a child a life-saving transplant over a COVID-19 vaccine is not science, it’s cruelty,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “Hospitals exist to save lives, not impose medical mandates on vulnerable patients. Families deserve the freedom to make the best medical decisions for their loved ones, without fear of being blacklisted from life-saving care. This bill will put an end to this unjust practice.”