Abstract This paper discusses the issue of embryo donation, which is related to a number of moral, legal, psychological and social implications. The paper relates that, in spite of these implications, embryo donation is, nevertheless, the only solution to incapability of producing cells in a few patients. This paper then sums up the symptoms for embryo donation as well as the process and contemplation in preparing both the donors and the recipients.
From the Paper "Embryo donation is examined to be a sort of third party reproduction. In vitro fertilisation frequently results in a number of frozen, unused embryos after the woman for whom they were originally created has successfully supported one or more pregnancies to term. In embryo donation, these additional embryos are provided to other couples or women with the aim of causing a successful pregnancy. The child produced after following this entire process is supposed to be the child of the woman who takes it and gives birth, and not the child of the donor, the same as happens with egg donation or sperm donation."
Abstract The purpose of this essay will be to determine what ethical basis, if any, exists for the practice of organ donation. What is the ethical justification for these processes of consent? Part of the answer to this question lies in the manner in which we view the communities in which we live; a view which also entails a concept of justice and sense of moral obligation.
Abstract The writer details the different blood types which are in critically low supply, while explaining that blood is the fluid of life, transporting oxygen from lungs to body tissue, and extracting carbon dioxide from body tissue to lungs. The paper goes on to explain the different types of donations needed, including double red cell donation which is an automated procedure that allows one person to give two units of red blood cells, resulting in one donation helping two patients.
From the Paper "There are four main components, red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and white blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide. A red blood cell has a flat, disk like shape. It resembles a doughnut with a thinner middle and thicker edges. There are approximately one billion red blood cells in two to three drops of blood. Platelets are disk like structures that help stop bleeding. For example if a blood vessel is cut, platelets together and form around the edge of the cut, a plug like stopper. After donation, platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood, a protein-salt solution in which red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended. It makes up about 50 to 60 percent of the total volume of blood. Plasma serves a variety of functions, from maintaining a satisfactory blood pressure and volume to supplying critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body from invasion by foreign substances such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Most of the cells are round and colorless. White blood cells produce proteins called anti-bodies that destroy bacteria and viruses. In the blood stream, there is only one white blood cell for every 600 red cells."
Abstract Organ donation is removing specific tissues of the human body for transplanting or grafting into another person. Both cadavers and living persons can be donors, but both also have to fulfill certain criterion in order to eligibly donate. This paper examines how bioethics, politics and personal issues have arisen in concern of organ donation.
From the Paper "There is a waiting list for legal organs to be donated but for indeterminate lengths of time. The fear of literally dying while still waiting to be a recipient has pushed people to deal with the black market. The "black market organ donation" relies upon the ends justifying the means. This is discussed in teleological and utilitarian issues. Concern also focused on the imbalance of the trade because the market is for only those who can afford, therefore only gives chance for the well-off. The black market has been referred to as the transplant trade outside of the United States. Legalization of the international organ trade would lead to increased supply, lowering prices. Therefore the poor might be able to afford such organs as well."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that a solution proposed to the organ donor shortage is the commercialization of human body parts, and that this is a solution well worth investigation. The writer notes that in this increasingly commercial world it should come as no surprise that individuals are willing to pay for organ transplants. In fact, individuals do pay for organ transplants on a regular basis, but they do so in a manner that is currently against the law and frequently very dangerous. The writer discusses that through putting law and regulation in place individuals could receive organ transplants without leaving their own country, and donors from within the same country could receive monetary compensation for their organ donation, as well as proper medical after care. The writer concludes that if commercialized organ donation is what it will take to save lives and to prevent the exploitation of the less fortunate who are coerced into illegal and unsafe organ donation, then it should be considered a very viable solution.
From the Paper "Due to the organ crisis, there is a rampant black market for organs, especially kidneys, that sees individuals in deprived, often third-world countries selling their organs to rich Westerners. There are a number of serious and medically dangerous issues associated with this growing trend, not least of which is the unsatisfactory care provided to the donors. Individuals who donate their organs usually do so for very small amounts of money and receive substandard health care following their donation. The doctors who perform these illicit operations are the ones who benefit financially, while the individual who purchased the organ usually survives much longer, but still may not receive the best after-care due to the illegal nature of the operation. The donors often experience a decrease in livelihood and standard of living as they develop medical conditions that prevent them from participating in the manual labour force that is usually the only available employment. Regardless of restrictions and laws against these black market transactions, they continue, and will continue, and almost understandably. Being faced with a life threatening condition and having the means to remedy the situation through the wielding of power and money would be an opportunity not easily turned down by many individuals."
Abstract This paper looks at organ donation from the point of view of what is just for the donor and beneficial to the recipient. The paper relates that it was suggested that organ donations should somehow be connected with self-interest because altruism alone is failing to meet the demand for organs. The paper also relates that compensation for organ donations has been suggested but there are ethical considerations concerned with such compensation. These ethical concerns are then discussed and the paper concludes that it is important that the public is kept informed about the ethical issues, and shall be offered an opportunity to communicate their concerns.
From the Paper "However, the availability of the cadaveric donors is expected to reduce the conditions which have caused surge in the living donations. The organ procurement system is based upon the presence of altruism, however the motivational programs which were initiated for the purpose of organ donation were not successful, therefore "altruism is a fine thing but it is in short supply", therefore it has been suggested that "we may hope for love but should plan on self-interest." It has been recommended that incentives scheme shall be launched to motivate the individuals towards donation."
Tags: cadaveric self-interest, financial compensation, moral intuitions, brain death
Abstract This paper compares the benefits of tissue donation versus organ donation. It explains that transplanted tissues offer advantages, including the alleviation of trauma and assisting individuals to see again, while also acting as a life-saving gesture. The writer discusses how tissue transplantation is more prevalent than organ transplantation because tissues can be conveniently conserved. They can be covered with ice and kept for use later on, since they need less blood supply than organs.
From the Paper "Donated body organs like hearts and kidneys contribute to the saving of hundreds of lives each year. The fact is that bequeathed tissues like skin, bone and heart valves could remarkably enhance the value of life for the persons receiving them. A patient who is dead following a cardiac arrest i.e. whose heartbeat has stopped permanently cannot be an organ donor but can be a tissue donor. Though in case of tissue donation the urgency of restoring a life by donation of liver or heart is absent, yet it is no way less critical to bring back vision by the help of a donated cornea, avert the severing of a leg using a bone donated by somebody or brighten the odds of survival of a patient having sustained burn injuries by skin donation."
Abstract This is a research proposal that seeks to identify barriers to corneal donation within hospitals and medical communities. A large body of research would focus on issues surrounding the post-mortem donations of tissue. This research examines what barriers exist within hospital and medical communities in an attempt to determine how these barriers may be overcome.
From the Paper "Traditionally the most significant barrier to organ donation and transplantation has been acquisition of organs and tissues (Murray et. al, 2002). The need for cornea tissue is rising. The average wait time for a corneal transplant is two or more years (Murray et. al, 2002). Typically patients with pain resulting from corneal disease and blindness in both eyes are considered priority patients (Murray, et. al, 2002). Thought there have been more corneas available, the wait time and list still remains long."
Abstract This paper reviews the pros and cons of paying for organs for transplantation. The paper begins by exploring the lack of available organs and the circumstances that would drive someone to attempt to buy an organ. The paper then defines the current anonymous donation system as one based exclusively on altruism, and asks what the legal, medical and ethical concerns are of such a system. The paper then discusses the gap between supply and demand for organs. Finally, the paper offers a number of problems -- ethical and otherwise -- in offering financial incentive for organ donation.
Abstract This paper discusses the effect that race has on consent for organ donations. The paper looks at the problem of shortages of organ donors for transplants as well as the various approaches for increasing organ donations. The paper contends that no significant correlation exists between race of the requester and the potential donor and the number of organ donor consents.
From the Paper "The following research paper explores the effects of race on organ donation Specifically, the research objective is to determine if there is a relationship between organ donor consent rates and the matching of race requester to race of potential donor families. Pearson's correlation was used to demonstrate significant relationships. It was expected that there would be a significant relationship between the variables, however the study findings did not support the study hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the necessity of organ donation. The paper discusses the value of the gift that the organ donor gives to the donor recipient. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of college students signing up for organ donation.
From the Paper "While many people think that a person can only donate organs after they die, this is not true. In 2002, one-fourth of all transplants performed in the United States were with organs donated by a living person (Gift of Life Trust Fund, 2006). A person has the ability to donate one kidney and live a normal life with the remaining healthy kidney. Also, in some situations, a portion of a liver, lung or pancreas may be donated. Blood, bone and bone marrow may also be donated by a living person. Just one pint of blood can help save four individual lives."
Tags: organ, bank, tissue, bone, marrow, blood, liver, lung, pancreas
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that cultivating organ donor awareness could be one of the most illustrious ways of sharing the gift of life. Thanks to the major surgical advances during the past decade, organ transplantation is no longer an experimental procedure. The writer discusses that while the number of transplants needed each year continues to rise, the number of organs recovered for transplantation remains the same. The writer maintains that the proposal discussed will assist in educating the participants about tissue and organ donorship, establishing an understanding for the need, ease and goal of organ and tissue donations. The writer notes that by taking the organ and tissue donation quiz, reading the accompanying pamphlets and listening to the guest spokesperson, the community will be able to identify at least three ways of how to sign up and give someone a second chance at life.
From the Paper "The third measurable goal of this presentation is to educate people on how to obtain a donor card and let your wishes be upheld by family, friends and hospital personnel. As we have established, this may be a sensitive topic for certain people who are not comfortable talking about death and life, and therefore awareness to the community's specific needs should be displayed. For example, having a private conversation to help allay any anxiety would be an appropriate intervention. The community will also receive information kits that include organ and tissue donation brochures, organ donation pins, sign-up workplace partnership sheets for life organ donation, and list of available resources and web sites for further information."
Abstract The paper discusses why organ donation is not more popular and gives suggestions on solving the scarcity of donors by better use of education.
From the Paper "In America, we have the choice to donate organs and save other lives. In countries like China, that choice is not permitted. Traditional beliefs say the body must be kept whole after death. What results is a vast network of crime, where the organs of executed prisoners are harvested and transplanted into wealthy patients in operations that bring Chinese hospitals tens of millions of dollars a year. Executed prisoners are the only source for transplants, and the demand is so great that occasionally the organs are removed before the patient is dead."
The paper discusses the various arguments surrounding the issue of donating organs from brain damaged people and whether it is ethical to do so or not.
Abstract The paper examines what constitutes brain death and the rare possibility that a brain dead patient may awaken from this vegetative state. The paper looks at the controversy surrounding the issue both from the side of the family as well as from the side of the hospital staff.
It also touches on the rates of organ donation in different countries as well as the ethical rules governing the transplantation process.
From the Paper "It is ethical to procure organs for donation and transplant from brain dead patients because the criteria is so stringent to declare someone brain dead that it cannot be construed as unethical(Donation, 2001). When a person is declared brain dead they have performed certain required criteria to make that determination. It is ethical to use the organs of a brain dead person because they are only alive by machines, they are not really alive. The use of these organs has the potential to save thousands of lives each year."
Abstract This paper examines how the need for organs for transplantation and scientific study is constantly increasing. It also describes why it is important to explore the negative effects of the shortage of organs and how people can be persuaded to donate their organs after death. It looks at how although the percentage of potential organ donors is rising annually, new transplant procedures are widening the gap in supply and demand of organs. It evaluates how the shortage of organs can be decreased, however, if those willing to become organ donors discuss their wishes with their next of kin.
From the Paper "The process of organ donation mainly starts at the hospital when a potential organ donor is identified. The only patients considered for organ donation are those which are pronounced brain dead. Brain death is defined as ?the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem (unknown).? Brain death can occur from causes such as brain hemorrhage, asphyxiation, drowning or motor vehicle accidents, which were responsible for the deaths of 25 percent of organ donors during 1994 and 1995. In extremely rare cases, however, organs can be transplanted from donors known as non-heartbeating, in which death must be declared by traditional criteria concerning cardiac death (unknown)."
Tags: transplantation, scientific, study, death, kin
