The Pros And Cons Of Organ Transplantation

ORGAN DEMAND AND SUPPLY

Few would argue against the proposition that kidney transplantation is the most successful and least expensive mode of treating end-stage renal failure. Moreover, in some parts of the world today, transplantation is the sole treatment option. The need for organs is incontestable, but a serious shortage is being faced everywhere and it seems likely to persist until xenotransplantation becomes a realistic option. Thus, it seems rational that any practice which enhances the number of kidneys available for transplantation must be examined and regarded as beneficial unless it carries with it overriding bad consequences. The burden lies on those who oppose specific measures to increase the supply of organs to produce satisfactory arguments that favor their opinion.

Supply of organs remains the most persistent problem in the field of organ transplantation. National Organ Transplantation Act, the leading legislation governing organ transplantation in the United States of America, established a national system for identification and equitable distribution of transplantable organs on the basis of medical need. Though it provides for explicit criteria, it remains necessary to evaluate each patient for suitability. This evaluation

Supporters of this philosophy believe in ranking intended recipients depending upon their sickness and likelihood of survival. Some opponent argue that this process gives rise to biasness, favoritism and discrimination due to the subjective nature of criteria. Others voice their opinion against using age and maximizing life years as criteria since it undervalues the remaining life of an older person awaiting a transplant. Regardless of how aged someone is, if that person does not receive a transplant they will still be losing “the rest of his or her life,” which is equally valuable to