Liver should be available for woman

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., May 17 (UPI) -- An Indiana University transplant specialist says a woman wanting a liver transplant from her bother who is on Death Row should be able to get another liver.

Gregory Scott Johnson asked the Indiana Parole Board Monday to spare his life or delay his execution next week, so he can donate all or part of his liver to his sister, Debra Otis, the Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday.

The parole board is to hold a hearing on the issue Friday, but Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will make the final decision.

However, Dr. Joseph Tector, director of transplantation at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, said Otis would be better off getting a whole liver instead of part of a liver and that if she were on the transplant list the wait is typically about three weeks.