Children win broader access to donor lungs

A national transplant board has permanently adopted a rule that gives children a better shot at donor lungs.

The vote comes a year after a Pennsylvania girl's need for new lungs sparked a national debate on donor rules.

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network says the issue affects about 20 children a year. On Monday, the group approved a rule that lets children apply for adult lungs.

A federal judge had ordered the network to add 11-year-old Sarah Murnaghan, of Newtown Square, to the adult list last year. After two transplants—one failed—Sarah is now breathing on her own.

The network says a dozen children have asked to be added to the adult list. However, it says most are still matched with donor lungs from children.