Organ Group Accused of Pushing Organ Harvesting from Living Patient in New Jersey, Whistleblowers Reveal
Federal investigators are investigating one of New Jersey’s largest organ procurement groups after a shocking scandal. The US House of Representatives is investigating NJ Sharing Network fraud, misconduct, and organ recovery that could kill people.
Nearly ten whistleblowers reported serious legal and moral issues, expanding the investigation. Carolyn Welsh, president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, was accused by House Ways and Means and Oversight Subcommittee members of “extreme abuse of public trust” and possible lawbreaking. The letter asked if the nonprofit should remain tax-exempt and requested legal changes to deter bad behavior.
More than 50 New Jersey hospitals use NJ Sharing Network in New Providence to transfer organs and tissues. Allegations suggest systemic issues that could jeopardize state-wide organ donation.
Camden Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has issues. A deceased donor was revived by organ recovery. House investigators say Carolyn Welsh ordered organ removal from a sick patient. Even though hospital staff stopped the procedure, moral and medical issues remain.
NJ Sharing Network use Motor Vehicle Commission documents to force families to donate organs when renewing or changing licenses, say whistleblowers. The group is also accused of ignoring the national transplant waiting list, which ranks over 100,000 Americans by medical urgency and survival risk. Not adding transplant patients to the list may have caused deaths and illness.
Allegations include destroying 100 pancreases in 2024, altering data, and lying to federal investigators. House committees must interview over 30 employees and obtain documents for a thorough review. By early December, this group must answer questions.
These findings cast doubt on organ donation, patient safety, and nonprofit life-saving groups’ transparency. Good organ donation ethics and oversight are crucial since the US had over 46,000 transplants in 2023.
The NJ Sharing Network shows how difficult it is to balance lifesaving and moral medical procedures. Lawmakers and doctors say organ donation programs must maintain public trust and that breaking the rules can be disastrous.
Sources
