Children seeking donor lungs win broader access

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 only about 20 children a year.The group Monday approved a rule that lets children also apply for adult lungs.

A 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.