Question

Each year almost 5,000 people die in the United States while waiting for organ transplants. Thus, cadaveric organs are extremely valuable resources whose allocation literally has life and death implications. Address how the following factors should be relevant to allocation (or whether they are indeed relevant at all): medical condition, probability of success, geographic location, waiting time, ability to pay, age, family status, and behavioral causes of organ failure. (500 words state any references)

Answer 1

Utility, justice, & respect for individuals are 3 foundational ethical norms which create a basis for an equitable allocation of organs (that are in short supply) for transplantation. Allocation policies should try to incorporate an apt combination of these norms, giving equivalent consideration to justice & utility, whilst incorporating the fundamental facets of respect for individuals. An allotment policy which maximizes overall utility without considering justice is not acceptable. In the same way, an allocation policy which fosters justice without consideration of the general medical good is not acceptable as well. Whilst the relation of respect for individuals to these norms is complex, inclusion of this principle is also essential, although in some specific circumstances, its comparative lesser significance is uncontroversial. In the formulation of a national allotment policy of organs ( which are in short supply)for transplant, it ought to be the responsibility of those updating allotment formulas to understand how the inclusion of various factors impact the relative importance & probable conflict of these ethical norms, to ensure that policy is consistent with a fair resolution.

Current organ allotment mechanisms are based upon policies which mirror a wide consensus of medical specialists & give an equivalent consideration for both the requirements of the sickest patients & the effectual utilization of organs. This arrangement also lessens probable wastage of organs by reducing cold ischemic time, augments access to transplantation in patients in local communities, gives positive incentives for local citizenries & medical experts to help organ donation programs, & lessens the cost of organ transplantation.