Should those waiting for kidney transplants be able to "jump" ahead on the list if an 'incompatible' friend or family member donates a kidney? Why or why not? What does this do to the perception of fairness in the system? When, if ever, should those on the waiting list be able to move ahead?
Suggested completion date: October 24, 2008
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17 comments:
EDDIE. PRATT
10/26/08
BIOTHICS-SCENARIO #8
Some medical ethicists and transplant surgeons worry about the fairness of these unorthodox appeals that work outside the United Network for Organ Sharing. “People should not jump ahead of other on the organ list just because someone likes their picture or is moved by their story. If left unregulated, could lead to the buying and selling of organs, in some cases, it already exist.
I think that kidney transplants shoudl be held to the same standard that other transplants are held to. "Jumping" makes sense in that to treat the most critical as soon as possible while those patients that are more stable are able to wait until they are either critical or it is availabole to them. I think that in a way, the system shoudl base recipiants of transplants on actual criticalness of the condition. Encouraging preople to donate, in order to save a family member or friend (possibly, this is not always guaranteed) is poor practice. It is risky and like trying to barter for something and I dont think that organ donation is the place to have such a system. People may not always take into account their own health and risks to them because of the emotional suitiation and not realise the long term effects on their health.
M longtin
In response to Eddie:
I agree with you about your comment that " If left unregulated, could lead to the buying and selling of organs, in some cases, it already exist.", isnt the promise of potentially getting an organ for a loved one with the dontation of your a sort of marked seller and buyer situation?
MLongtin
Kayla Parent
I think that kidney transplants should be held in the same regard as other organ transplants. However, I do not believe that this organization should ask a friend or family member donate to someone else on the list given that they are not already a match for their family member and in return they will move ahead on the list. To me this is a form of bribery, and there is no need for this is an already fragile situation. I think that all transplants should be done on the basis of severity. The people who are the worst should be the first to get the transplants, those who are stable and able to sustain life with the help of dialysis should wait. If a patient’s health worsens they should move “jump” up the list. It is a logical way to save many people.
ML----
You are exactly right. People in this situation will only take into account their emotional feelings and will worry about their health later. How many people acutally feel pressured into doing this I wonder?
Kayla Parent
I believe if someone has a friend or family member who donates a kidney they should be able to jump ahead of the line. In the end this system will get more people donating and will get the list moving. This is doing greater good than bad because it will bring in more donors who wouldn’t otherwise donate. I think it is completely fair for people who bring in donors to jump ahead of the line. Someone on the list may not have friends and family who can donate, so they won’t be able to jump ahead of the list. But someone may bring in their exact match and they will get the kidney. So in the end it works out in favor or everyone. I think if you have someone donate their kidney you should be able to move up on the list. I also believe if dialysis isn’t working then you should be able to move up on the list.
Amanda Rhoades
Kayla-
I think the problem is insurance companies will only pay so much. So in the end medical bills are unaffordable. If your son needed a kidney transplant and the only way for him to get it soon would be for you to donate your kidney to someone else, wouldn't you?
Amanda Rhoades
Eddie, You’re right about the buying and selling of organs. The kidney selling already exist in India, mostly from women, for ~$3000 US dollar. I read an article from Scientific American magazine a few years ago.
M longtin, I agree with your logic, “Encouraging people to donate, in order to save a family member or friend (possibly, this is not always guaranteed) is poor practice.” However, for curiosity, is there better ways to empower more organ donations, especially kidney? It’s a double edge knife situation.
I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO GIVE UP MY KINDEY TO MY SON. But for someone else? Well, probably not. It’s asking a lot for simple human being. We are struggling to be a good human, let along being a saint.
JWK
I think that in the case of a kidney transplant where patients are stable there shouldn't be any jumping for organ donations. People have 2 kidneys, and can get by on only one. You never know what time will bring and the donor could sustain kidney damage thru accident or illness and end up on the list him or herself. People shouldn't be encouraged to donate organs while they are still alive. They may need them later on in life. It may make longer wait times, but as long as dialysis is available at a reasonalbe cost people should just have to wait their turn.
Greg Dawson
Michelle Camping
11-15-2008
It is hard when it comes done to donating organs, only because I haven't decided what I would do yet. It is done the way it has been because it works. I feel very sorry for the people on the long list, and wish things could be different. So I'm undisided on what side I would take.
Michelle Camping
11-15-2008
I like what Eddie Pratt has to say and agree with it. I don't know how fair it is to jump on the list. But I still don't feel like I can take aside.
I think that it is a little unfair to allow someone to jump ahead on the kidney donation list just because they have a friend or family member that is willing to donate their kidney. First of all, it is unfair to people who may not have any family or friends willing to donate to someone they don’t even know. Secondly, it puts the person donating in a tough position. The procedure is dangerous, and the person donating may not be fully aware of how dangerous. This could also lead to bribes or coercion for someone to donate a kidney. Dialysis can keep most people in renal failure alive until they receive a kidney, or find another solution.
Erin
I think it is great that family members may want to help their other family members out and donate an organ for them but do you think those same people would be willing to donate for others they don't know? It is possible but highly unlikely. I believe a lot of people are selfish and willing to only help those they need, especially if they are at risk. I think it is good that the people waiting can jump the list if it is from their family or whomever they know but I do believe it is unfair. What about the people who have been waiting years and going through dialysis and has to continue dialysis because they are still waiting. If it were up to me everyone would wait just the same unless it was a health matter that they needed the organ faster.
Commenting on M.Longtin
I agree with what was said. I think if there was a way to get people to donate their organs (in a sense to "move" their family members or loved ones closer to the top of the list) that would be awesome! I do think though that kidneys, liver, heart, they should all be dealt in the same manner. You wait unless it comes to point where you literally can't wait anymore.
I think that if someone you know wants to donate their kidney to you they should be allowed to. If my brother needed a kidney I would be much more inclined to donate one if I knew it was actually going to him. The problem with not being able to do this is that it is a lot harder to convince someone to donate a kidney. Think about it, wouldn't you be more likely to donate a kidney to someone you love instead of just a random person. I understand that a random person who is getting is certainly in need of it but possible donors may not look at it that way because maybe they have never met someone on the verge of death from kidney failure. Basically, I believe if you could donate it for a particular person the number of donors may increase due to someone's family member stepping in to save their life.
In response to Greg
I agree that you may need your other kidney at some point in your life so donating it is a risk. But if I could donate a kidney to friend who is in desperate need then I think you should do it. For the most part if you take care of yourself you'll do just fine with just one kidney and you'll benefit from having your friend around for a longer period.
Joe King
This is a tough situation because I am not sure if fairness can be determined. If one is willing to give kidney to move their loved one up the list then I think that is a good enough reason to jump the list. They will be saving a life even if it is not that of their loved ones. This is a rewarding effort made on behalf of those needing kidneys and should be recognized. If those who do not have someone to donate on their behalf to move up the list, then perhaps a different and seperate list can be made. I am not sure what can be defined as fairness though because in the world we live in everyone wants to be first, everyone wants the best, the fastest, etc. I don't think there is a way to make everyone happy but if one is willing to give kidney to save life that should be recognized. Perhaps those out there who do not know a person who needs a kidney transplant but can donate, then their credit can be given to someone who is on alternative list (list of those who do not have someone to donate on their behalf).
Shundeen Cadman
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