Ethical Issues of Organ Transplantation

Abstract

Organ Transplantation involves a surgical procedure where in a new organ replaces a deteriorating or damaged organ in the human body, Heart, lungs, Kidneys are examples of such organs. They are composed of tissues and cells that work together to perform specific essential functions in the human body. In the present scenario, the transplantation of many organs between well-matched human beings is marked with huge success. Heart and lung or heart-lung transplants, liver and pancreas (or pancreatic islets) transplants are also becoming more common, while kidney, cornea, bone marrow and skin transplants today are considered routine for certain conditions. According to Dr. Robert White, even a human head transplant, which should perhaps be better referred to as a body transplant, may be possible. However the balance between demand and supply is hugely distorted, marked simultaneously by high costs of some organ transplants. Consequently numerous questions come up today regarding procurement, distribution of scarce resources, and their coverage by community funds. The ethical and legal issues related to organ and tissue procurement and transplantation are often discussed in light of age old principles of autonomy, compassion, non-maleficence, free and informed consent, dignity, integrity and equality of human beings, justice, and the common good. "In the donation and transplantation of human organs, respect is to be given to the rights of the donor, the recipient and the common good of society”.