We join the global community in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On this day, we reaffirm our enduring commitment to advancing equity, and justice within the field of transplantation. As transplant surgeons, we recognize that racial and ethnic disparities in access to transplantation and organ donation persist, and we are dedicated to addressing these inequities through intentional action and sustained collaboration.
ASTS members are actively engaged in efforts to reduce barriers that affect underrepresented populations at every stage of the transplant journey—from referral and evaluation to transplantation and post-operative care. Through ongoing research, education, and policy initiatives, our community seeks to better understand and eliminate factors that contribute to unequal outcomes. Initiatives that promote diverse donor registration, equitable allocation practices, and culturally informed patient engagement are central to this mission.
The elimination of racial discrimination is integral to the ethical foundation of transplantation and to the values that unite our profession. On this day, and every day, ASTS reaffirms its pledge to ensure that all patients, regardless of race or background, have equitable access to life-saving transplant care and the opportunity to benefit from the transformative power of organ donation.