A Marine veteran from Olympia, Washington, is taking legal action against Swedish Medical Center, a prominent healthcare provider in the Seattle area, and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) over a racially biased medical equation that delayed his kidney transplant by two years. Arthur Maddox, who has lived with kidney disease for eight years, alleges that the use of a faulty assumption about Black patients’ kidney health led to unnecessary suffering and financial hardship.
The controversial equation, which erroneously stereotyped Black people as having “more muscular” bodies and therefore healthier kidneys, resulted in delayed care and transplants for countless Black patients. Maddox’s experience highlights the severe consequences of this racial bias in healthcare.
“Not only did I serve this country well, I’ve been to three hazard duty combat tours overseas,” Maddox stated. “And here I am being treated like this.” The delay forced Maddox to undergo two types of dialysis, with a near-death experience when his home dialysis failed.
The lawsuit comes as many hospital systems nationwide have begun correcting their use of the flawed equation. Swedish claims they “moved expeditiously to implement the changes and notify patients” once UNOS changed its policies. However, Maddox and his attorney, David Ko, argue that the damage has already been done.
The case sheds light on the broader issue of racial disparities in healthcare. “It’s no secret that racism still exists in this country,” Ko remarked, emphasizing the importance of fair policies in organ transplantation.
Despite receiving a new kidney in January 2024, Maddox continues to struggle with his health and the financial impact of early medical retirement. He hopes his legal battle will encourage others to come forward and address this critical issue in the medical community.
See “Man’s kidney transplant at Swedish was delayed due to racially biased equation, lawsuit alleges” (October 4, 2024)
