Ethical Controversies in Organ Transplantation

Read this article describing the ethical questions surrounding kidney transplants. List the ethical dilemmas which arise surrounding the donation and scarcity of kidneys. Write a one paragraph position paper about one of those issues, arguing for your position with concrete arguments.

7. Entry of patients to transplantation programs

7.1. Factors influencing entry to, and ranking in, a transplantation program

  1. The patient sickness.

  2. The patient most likely to benefit based on medical or other criteria.

  3. The length of the patient on the waiting list.

  4. All patients on the waiting list should have an equal chance.

  5. The patient's importance for the well-being of others, for example previous organ donors.

  6. The patients who have previously had one or more transplants.

  7. Capacity of the patient to pay.