The Ethical Issue Surrounding Organ Transplantation
Outline
Title: The Ethical Issues Surrounding Organ Transplantation
Abstract With organ transplants so prevalent in today’s society, it is important that the ethical issues surrounding them are fully understood. While many people want to see life extended as long as possible, there are others who believe life must be allowed to run its natural course. This literature review examines the process of organ transplantation from continuous shortages of available organs to the distribution process to the lasting effects of the transplant on the patient. The research showed that even as policies and procedures adapt to our evolving society, it is very likely there will always be disagreement on the subject of organ transplantation.
Introduction
Beginning with the first organ transplants in the 1950’s; questions have risen regarding the ethics of these life-changing procedures. During the years since, society has debated the issues surrounding organ transplants. With the creation of regulations regarding organ procurement and the development of transplant waiting lists, it is obvious that an increasing number of people have had their lives effected by this medical advancement. That being said, the importance of educating people on the facts of transplantation is greater than it has ever been. This literature review considers the use of personal ethics in the decision making process as it relates to organ transplantation by responding to the following questions: 1. How do we deal with the shortage of donated organs? 2. What is the distribution process for the organs? 3. What are the effects of organ transplantation’s on the patient?
Summary and Conclusion
While data showed that organ transplantation’s continue to increase every year, there are still many thing society can do to close the gap between the amount of patients on the recipient waiting lists and available donor organs. It is evident that procedures
Title: The Ethical Issues Surrounding Organ Transplantation
Abstract With organ transplants so prevalent in today’s society, it is important that the ethical issues surrounding them are fully understood. While many people want to see life extended as long as possible, there are others who believe life must be allowed to run its natural course. This literature review examines the process of organ transplantation from continuous shortages of available organs to the distribution process to the lasting effects of the transplant on the patient. The research showed that even as policies and procedures adapt to our evolving society, it is very likely there will always be disagreement on the subject of organ transplantation.
Introduction
Beginning with the first organ transplants in the 1950’s; questions have risen regarding the ethics of these life-changing procedures. During the years since, society has debated the issues surrounding organ transplants. With the creation of regulations regarding organ procurement and the development of transplant waiting lists, it is obvious that an increasing number of people have had their lives effected by this medical advancement. That being said, the importance of educating people on the facts of transplantation is greater than it has ever been. This literature review considers the use of personal ethics in the decision making process as it relates to organ transplantation by responding to the following questions: 1. How do we deal with the shortage of donated organs? 2. What is the distribution process for the organs? 3. What are the effects of organ transplantation’s on the patient?
Summary and Conclusion
While data showed that organ transplantation’s continue to increase every year, there are still many thing society can do to close the gap between the amount of patients on the recipient waiting lists and available donor organs. It is evident that procedures
References: Alexander, J.W., & Zola J. C. (1996). Expanding the donor pool: use of marginal donors for solid organ transplantation Congressional Kidney Caucus (2002). 25 Facts about Organ Donation and Transplantation. New York Organ Donor Network (n.d.) Retrieved November 25, 2009, from http://www.donatelifeny.org/organ/o_donationfacts_survival.html Robeznieks, A. (2004, July 5). AMA backs review of presumed consent on organ donations. United Network for Organ Sharing (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2009, from http://www.unos.org/data/ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2004). HHS Launches Organ Donation Education Program for High School Students