Debate continues over donor

The woman's niece was turned down twice for a visa.
LODI, Ohio (AP) -- A woman whose niece has agreed to donate a kidney to save her aunt's life says the U.S. government is blocking the transplant by not allowing the donor to travel from the Philippines.
"They're treating someone who wants to come here legally to help, worse than they would treat a criminal," Dr. Norma Reynes said.
Dr. Reynes is suffering from kidney failure as a result of high blood pressure and has been on a waiting list for a transplant for two years.
The 61-year-old specialist in internal medicine, who closed her practice Tuesday because of her declining health, said her 25-year-old niece, Jennelyn Gervacio, may be her last hope but has been turned down twice for a visa.
A March 31 letter from the U.S. Embassy in Manila said that Gervacio has not demonstrated "familial, social, economic, or professional ties that would compel her return after a temporary stay in the United States."
Dr. Reynes argues that Gervacio is a student, but has not enrolled in college in anticipation of the kidney donation. Dr. Reynes' husband, Enrique, also offered a $1 million bond ensuring Gervacio's return to the Philippines.
The letter from the embassy also said that Dr. Reynes has not presented enough evidence that Gervacio is a compatible donor.
Dr. Reynes said that the Kidney Donor Transplant Center of the Cleveland Clinic has sent two letters to the embassy confirming that Gervacio is a compatible donor.
Needs more proof
U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, R-Ohio, has interceded on behalf of Dr. Reynes, but officials in his office say that the embassy is looking for more proof that Gervacio is the only possible donor.
Dr. Reynes' friends and family held a support rally Tuesday night at Lodi Community Hospital in this city about 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. They also are circulating a petition to bring Gervacio to the United States.
"I don't know what else they want from me," Dr. Reynes said of the embassy. "I don't know what else to do."
Dr. Reynes said she ruled out going to the Philippines for the surgery because of the quality of care.