Abstract This is a paper about the critical need for organ donors. As of November 14, 2000, there are 80,508 total patients who need organs in the U.S.
Abstract This paper aims to provide background information about a particular assisted reproductive technology, which is donor insemination. It discusses the uses, techniques, screening tools and confidentiality practices. It also analyzes the long-term effects of donor insemination, particularly the psychological, physiological, emotional and social effects on people born out of donor insemination procedures. Its stance is that couples/parents who subsisted to donor insemination procedures should tell their children about their biological origins (i.e., real parent) in order to avoid the negative effects that may result in the child's psychological, physiological, emotional and/or social being.
From the Paper "In the period of human civilization wherein most of the medical ills and problems that people usually encounter can be cured, the advent of assisted reproductive technology (ART) as a result of genetics and technological advancement led to the formulation of procedures that aim to solve problems of genetic disorders and infertility. Examples of these assisted reproductive technologies are In Vitro Fertilization, Gamete/Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer, Blastocyst transfer, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, Assisted Hatching of Embryos, and Donor gametes. The last enumerated reproductive technology, donor gametes, is one of the most prevalent techniques used in assisted reproductive technologies."
Tags: assisted, reproductive, technology, genetic, disorders, in, vitro, fertilization
Abstract This paper relates that there are too few organ donors in the United States, in particular, and in the world, in general. It suggests a plan of action the government could take to reverse this trend. This includes tax rebates, public advertisement campaigns, financial assistance, free life insurance, and cash payments to those who agree to donate their organs.
From the Paper "Each day, in hospital waiting rooms, families are approached and asked if they will donate the organ's of their dead or dying loved one for the purpose of transplant operations. While this timing appears to be cold hearted, there really isn?t a choice. The organs have to be harvested and transplanted within strict timelines or they are not viable for use. The nation's residents are aware that there is currently a shortage of available organs compared to the number of people waiting on the list to receive them. Public announcement ads, posters at the driver test center and other attempts to bring the need to the public's attention have worked. The nation knows there is a shortage and that organ donation can save lives. Knowing all of this however, has not prevented the shortage from occurring and as the medical community continues to prolong lives of those waiting for organs; the need will only get greater. Financial incentives for organ donation can provide families and individuals with the needed push to donate organs."
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 examines how the shortage of organs for patients in need of a transplant has created an organ black-market and how there is a desperate need to allow for financial compensation for organ donors in order to eliminate this black-market and to save lives. It discusses the problems of the organ trade that has developed world-wide, why compensation for organ donors should be legal, possible solutions to meet the demands, and what can be done to make it happen.
From the Paper "The current system for patients in need of organ transplants is failing to meet the demands that exist today. Patients are dying while on long waiting lists; therefore, they are searching for other alternatives to meet these demands. Also, spearheaded by then Senator Al Gore, The National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 makes it illegal to sell human organs. Selling organs is a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. As we have seen throughout history, when a commodity is both in high demand and illegal, a black-market is created. The effects of the black-market of human organs are world-wide from China, India, Brazil, and right here in the United States."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that child sponsorship is a humanitarian method of support for children in developing nations. The writer then points out that this support is not only related to financing, but also to interaction between two people belonging to different worlds. The writer notes that opponents of child sponsorship claim that it deals with issues that are not related to fundamental causes of poverty, such as AIDS and unfair trade, and that the changes promoted by child sponsorship do little for the well-being of the international community. The writer maintains that child sponsorship might have its downsides, but it is the best method to involve as many people as possible in the fight against poverty and it provides a method through which the donor is closely linked with the beneficiary of its donations, which ensures trust and cooperation from the donor.
From the Paper "Child sponsorship is based on an emotional connection between the donor and the child. As a humanitarian act helping children seems to be one of the top priorities on the list of programs that must be supported for helping developing countries. Perhaps specifically due to the emotional connection in aiding a child, this type of sponsorship attracts a great deal of funds, funds that help the economy of developing countries."
"Although child sponsorship is directed towards a specific child and the relation between the child and the sponsor is the one that characterizes the sponsorship, such a program can benefit a whole community. Many child sponsorship programs focus on developing the facilities in a community, as it would be hard to have facilities created for a single person. These facilities benefit the community, although they are intended in providing aid to a specific child."
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 presents a case study of a young girl who died as a result of receiving mismatched organs. The paper describes the supposed safeguards of the system, which are imposed to ensure the proper blood typing of both donor and organ recipient to determine they are compatible. The paper presents the ethical considerations of the hospital ethics committee, which emerged as a result of this failed transplant.
From the Paper "A good example of this fact occurs in the examination of an unfortunate case involving the botched heart/lung transplant of a 16 year old girl, much like the recent incident at Duke Hospital. In this case, a young girl died as a result of receiving miss-matched organs. Unfortunately, in this case, all of the supposed safeguards of the system, imposed to assure that proper blood typing of both donor and organ recipient are compatible failed. As a result, the young girl was not only transplanted with incompatible organs, but, due the significant downturn in her health following the procedure, doctors failed to obtain another set of matched organs with the speed necessary to possibly save her life."
Abstract The paper discusses why non-profit organizations must define and segment its likely target market. The paper explains that most charities use a wide range of donation strategies, combining solicitations from large donors with mass mailings, form letters and events. The paper shows how casting a wide net is ideal, but even the most broad-based organization must have a clear target audience in mind. The paper explains that this allows the organization to make the use of limited resources effective when constructing a fundraising event.
From the Paper "First of all, to define its donor base the not-for-profit must define its purpose as an organization. This, in essence is the product that the organization is 'selling.' The worthiness of the cause is the presumed reason for the donor's desire to give to the organization. The nature of the cause will also determine the type of appeal used for fundraising. Merely because a cause is worthy does not mean that it will automatically draw donations. The organization must define its core audience of donors. This is again much like one would market any product or service. Is the target audience of the fundraiser primarily young or old? Male or female? Or a mixture of both? Is its geographic base broad or narrow?"
Abstract This paper explains that dialysis is a treatment for end-stage renal disease, in which a machine is used to act as the patient's healthy kidneys. The author describes two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The paper recommends kidney transplantation where the patient receives a new kidney, either from a living or deceased donor. The author points out that kidney transplant patients have been shown to live as long as the average non-transplant patient without the burden of spending large amounts of time on dialysis. The paper relates that, while both treatments are covered eighty percent financially by the federal government end-stage renal disease program, the cost is higher for patients with dialysis than for transplantation. The paper states that no action is sometimes chosen by the patient who feel that the burdens of dialysis or transplantation outweigh the benefits.
From the Paper "Kidney transplantations come with some complications and stresses. Waiting for the transplant can cause stress in patients. The National Kidney Foundation says that over 73,000 people are on the waiting list, and twelve of those people die every day waiting for a kidney. Anti-rejection medications lower the immune system allowing for higher susceptibility to illness. Although severe transplant rejection occurs in less than twenty-five percent of patients, patients are required to take anti-rejection medication daily according to MedicineNet, Inc."
Abstract This paper describes the famous stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral in France. The paper describes the cathedral's gothic style, the set of windows in the west facade, the rose windows that can be found in different parts of the cathedral, and the Blue Virgin Window in the ambulatory area. The paper also describes the guilded windows in the cathedral, noting that, more than with most cathedrals, Chartres Cathedral's windows area often marked to show the donor, and this is true of the so-called guild windows, or windows donated by the trade guilds.
From the Paper "The South Rose is seen with five lancet windows and dates from the 1230s. The Rose Window itself shows the Glorification of Christ, with Christ blessing surrounded by Four Evangelists and angels, then the elders of the Apocalypse, then the arms of donors to the cathedral. The left lancet shows Evangelist Luke over Prophet Jeremiah. The second lancet shows Evangelist Matthew over Prophet Isaiah. The central lancet shows the Virgin and Child."
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 This paper mainly discusses in- vitro fertilization and surrogate pregnancies that are contracted, in which case the surrogate mother is usually a contracted person, with no link to the donors. In the case of contracted surrogate pregnancies, there is no way to judge the health of the surrogate mother and no regulation to see that the medical fraternity does not use the persons who are infected by diseases that could be passed to the infant. This paper affirms that laws must therefore be passed in such a manner that voluntary surrogate mothers are screened, identified and certified in such a manner that the resultant infant is not traumatized by diseases. The donors must be similarly screened. Furthermore, this paper looks at the idea of commercialization, within surrogate pregnancies. Namely it discusses the free market and the prostitution model. While some surrogate mothers do agree for altruistic reasons, where there is a demand, there will be a commercial supply. Since such children are at risk of being abandoned and neglected by the surrogate mother as well as by the donors, it is considered to be the duty of the state to enact laws to make sure that the donors, the surrogate mother and the genetic material are all fine to prevent deformities. In cases where such deformities do occur, the law must make the donor parents responsible for the child. Also, this paper asserts that there must also be a prohibition of payment for surrogate motherhood.
Outline:
Introduction
The Definition of Surrogate Motherhood
Adoption, Surrogate Motherhood - The Contrasts and Commonalities
The Arguments Favoring Regulation and Ban
The Arguments Against the Ban
Legal Problems
The Legal Controls Ought to be Set
Current Global Situation
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is well if the resultant child is perfect what is the case if the child is born with deformities? What if it is liability? The management and care of such babies have legal moral and ethical implications. What is the relationship between the woman and the child in such cases at childbirth? For example the simple case of a low weight baby and in the case of mentally and physically challenged babies born to surrogate mothers, what will be the position and who shoulders the painful task? In the United States the Federal Government intervenes. In the UK the problem is ignored or the issue is glossed over. (Lee; Morgan, 1990) Judges have been sentencing mothers for not caring for the children in the womb. There have been cases of sentences handed down to mothers who consumed drugs and passed it on to the baby in the womb. Fetal neglect is now culpable. This shows that the state is concerned more and more with the unborn child and its welfare. The issue of in vitro fertilization and the knowledge of in genital illnesses are changing the perceptions of the society and the prevailing values are being modified. (Blank, 1992)
"The commoditization of sexuality has brought in the prospect of baby selling and prostitution. Poor women and even affluent ones are not above selling babies in the black market. The baby for sale has all its features added up to its price. The better suited ones getting the better price. The participants tend to market the baby in the fashion of a commodity and that is where the question of the babies with deformities and their fate steps in. There is likely to be more feticide and infanticide. The issue of 'Baby selling' drags down humanity considerations. (Warren, 1991) Originally surrogate mother hood was not a baby selling proposition. Yet today it has assumed the features of baby selling. Just as prohibition of payment exists for adoption, there must also be a prohibition of payment for surrogate motherhood. The courts sometimes have applied the baby sale acts to bar surrogate motherhood."
Abstract This paper defines what are known as stem cells and what is involved in stem cell (SC) transplantation, and provides a list of current uses for SC transplantation. The writer explains that most common sources for such transplants are bone marrow, blood and cord blood stem cells, and describes in detail how bone marrow and cord blood stem cells are obtained and what is entailed in bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Despite considerable progress in BMT over the years, there are still major problems with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), failure to engraft and lack of suitable donors. The writer notes that younger donors and good transplant timing lead to better transplant outcomes, and suggests that in the future, emphasis should be on better control of GVHD with novel immunosuppressive and other immunomodulatory agents. This paper contains tables.
Outline:
Introduction
Application of SCs in Transplantation
Types of Disorders Treated
Types of SC Transplants Available
Availability & Collection of Different Sources
Bone Marrow Registries
Cord Blood Banks
Donor Search
Growth Factors
Harvesting
PBSC Harvesting
Cord Blood Harvesting
Risks for Donors Ethical Issues Regarding the Sources
Outcome of SC Transplantation
Factors Affecting the Outcome
Conditioning Regimen
Non-myeloablative Allogeneic HSCT
Time for Engraftment or Immune Reconstitution
Transplant Related Mortality
Relapse
Role of HLA Compatibility
Effect of Other Cells in the Graft in GVHD and GVL, and the Balance of GVHD and GVL
Conclusion
From the Paper "The sources for allogeneic stem cell transplant include: half-matched family members, unrelated adult volunteer donors, and related or unrelated umbilical cord blood units (CBU) (Burt & Brush, 1999). The ideal allogeneic bone marrow donor for a patient would be a monozygotic twin, since this transplant is not only HLA-matched but also matched for all other genetic loci. A transplant can be done if a related donor with only one HLA difference is identified, although there is a risk of GVHD. For those without siblings or other related donors, unrelated bone marrow donors would be the only option (Carella et al, 2001)."
Abstract Traces the movement to reform campaign finance that began after the 1972 Watergate scandal. Federal Election & Campaign Act & amendments re: spending limits and contributions by donors. Increase in "soft money" contributions. Supreme Court decisions. Legal loopholes. Problems of PACs. Donor influence. Political ramifications & role of Congress. California voters reform efforts & conflice with labor unions.
From the Paper "The simmering issue of campaign finance reform has burst into a hot topic in recent years as candidates have expended millions of dollars to win even the lowliest office. This has forced candidates to raise even more money, which has seemingly increased the influence of large donors. Those factors, coupled with the dramatic increase in "soft money," have deepened the American public's cynicism about the political system and about politicians. This sentiment has been especially strong in California, where the state's voters have considered several initiatives designed to remake the system of campaign finance. This paper will examine the issue of campaign finance, placing particular emphasis on California's attempts at reform and the impact of those efforts on large donors such as the state's labor unions."
