M5 Discussion: Organ Transplantation EthicsCredit: Everplans.com
Before engaging in this discussion, view the following videos:
From the John Hopkin’s Ethics for Lunch series, watch the video entitled “Liver Transplants for Alcoholic Hepatitis: Who Should Get Society’s Precious Resources” (published 2017, 1 hour in length, captioned) in which Dr. Andrew Cameron and members of the liver transplant team discuss the ethical challenges that arise when actively drinking alcoholics need a liver transplant.
From the University of California, watch the video entitled “Debate: Liver Transplant for Alcoholic Liver Disease: Keep the 6-Month Rule?” (published 2016, 45 minutes in length, captioned).
As you have learned, rationing is unavoidable in organ transplantation, so the system for allocating organs should be just and fair. There are valid questions about the justice and fairness of the current system. Transplant Centers are the gatekeepers who decide whom they will and will not admit as transplant candidates. Their policies vary. Many non-medical values shape their decisions and it can be argued that some centers invoke these values in ways that are not truly just.
Here are some examples:Some centers exclude patients with moderate mental retardation, mental health challenges, HIV, a history of addiction or a long criminal record. Some hospitals do not accept persons who use marijuana, including medical marijuana.
Transplant teams rarely consider anyone over 75 years of age.
In your discussion, post please respond to the following:What role if any, should “social worth” and lifestyle choices” have in the allocation of organs?
Do you think alcoholics, smokers or obese individuals should be put on organ waiting lists and if so under what conditions? if any? Alcoholism, obesity, and addiction to smoking are all considered diseases.
What is the six-month rule as discussed in the videos you watched for this assignment? Is the six-month rule reasonable and just in transplantation with alcoholics and alcoholics with alcoholic liver disease?