Organ donation


Organ donation and transplantation strikes me as an interesting topic in terms of ethical aspects.
I think humanity is divided into two camps, the first half find it right and helpful to improve the
lives of others and the other half find it undignified treatment of a dead person.


Donating organs is a generous act that can save the lives of others. When a person donates one of
their organs, it is surgically removed and transplanted into someone else who is in need. There are
several different types of organs that can be donated, including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs,
pancreas, and small intestine.

One of the main reasons that people choose to donate organs is because it can help to save the
lives of others. Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure that is used to treat people with
end-stage organ failure. Without a transplant, these individuals may not survive. By donating an
organ, a person has the opportunity to give someone else a second chance at life. [1] [4]

Another reason that people choose to donate organs is because it can help to improve the quality of
life for the recipient. For example, a kidney transplant can allow someone with kidney failure to
lead a more normal life, free from the need for dialysis. [1] [4] [5]

There are also personal and emotional reasons that people choose to donate organs. Many people feel
a sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that they have helped someone else in need. Some
people may also donate organs as a way to honor a loved one who has passed away, by giving the gift
of life to someone else. [1] [4] [5]

In order to be eligible to donate organs, a person must be in good physical and mental health. They
must also meet certain age and weight requirements, and be free from any infectious diseases.
Potential donors must also undergo a thorough evaluation to determine whether they are suitable
candidates for organ donation. [1] [4] [5]

There are a few different ways that a person can choose to donate organs. They can register to be
an organ donor when they apply for or renew their driver's license, or they can sign up on a
national organ donor registry. They can also discuss organ donation with their family and let them
know their wishes. [1] [4] [5]

Despite the significant medical advances in organ and tissue transplantation, the demand for organs
and tissues far exceeds the supply. It is important for individuals to consider becoming organ
donors and to discuss their wishes with their family and loved ones. By signing up to be an organ
donor, you can potentially save and improve the lives of others [1] [4] [5]

Donation after brain death

Donation after brain death is a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years,
particularly due to the ongoing shortage of organs available for transplantation. When someone has
been declared brain dead, their body is still able to function through the use of machines, such as
a ventilator, which keeps the organs oxygenated and functioning. In these cases, organ donation can
be a viable option for those who have previously expressed their desire to be an organ donor. [2]
[3]

The process of organ donation after brain death typically begins when a person has been declared
brain dead by a medical team. Brain death occurs when the brain is no longer able to function,
typically as a result of a severe injury or illness. Once brain death has been declared, the
person's family may be approached by a representative from an organ procurement organization to
discuss the possibility of organ donation. [2] [3]

If the family decides to proceed with organ donation, the person's organs will be carefully
evaluated to determine their suitability for transplantation. This evaluation typically involves a
number of medical tests and procedures to ensure that the organs are healthy and functioning
properly. If the organs are deemed suitable for transplantation, they will be matched with
potential recipients on the organ transplant waiting list. [2] [3]

The decision to donate organs after brain death is a deeply personal one, and families are
encouraged to take the time to consider their options carefully. Some may choose to donate their
loved one's organs in order to honor their wishes, while others may see organ donation as a way to
help others in need. Regardless of the reasons, organ donation after brain death can provide hope
and a chance at a new life for those in need of a transplant. [2] [3]

There are, however, some ethical considerations to keep in mind when it comes to organ donation
after brain death. Some argue that the definition of brain death may not be clear or universally
accepted, and that there is a potential for misdiagnosis. Others argue that organ donation after
brain death amounts to the ending of a person's life in order to benefit someone else. [2] [3]


Here are some key ethical considerations to keep in mind when it comes to organ donation after
brain death:

Informed consent: It is essential that organ donors or their designated representatives have given
their informed consent to organ donation. This means that they have been fully informed about the
process of organ donation, including the potential risks and benefits, and have made the decision
to donate freely and without any external pressure.

Confidentiality: The privacy of organ donors and recipients must be protected at all times. This
includes maintaining confidentiality about their personal and medical information, as well as
respecting their decision to donate or not donate organs.

Fair allocation of organs: It is important that organs are allocated fairly and equitably, based on
medical need rather than social or financial status. This requires that organ allocation policies
be transparent and objective, and that they take into account the potential benefits to the
recipient as well as the potential risks to the donor.

Respect for the deceased: The decision to donate organs after brain death is a deeply personal one,
and it is important to respect the wishes of the deceased and their families. This includes
respecting their decision to donate or not donate organs, as well as ensuring that the donation
process is carried out with sensitivity and dignity.

Potential conflicts of interest: It is essential to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest
in the organ donation process, such as financial incentives for doctors or hospitals to encourage
organ donation. This can undermine the integrity of the process and create mistrust among donors
and recipients.

In conclusion, organ donation after brain death is a valuable and life-saving practice, but it is
important to keep a number of ethical considerations in mind in order to ensure that it is carried
out in a fair, transparent, and respectful manner.

Deciding whether or not to become an organ donor is a personal decision that each individual has to
make for themselves. It is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of organ
donation, and to think about what aligns with your values and beliefs.

Some possible benefits of organ donation include:

Saving lives: Organ transplantation can be a life-saving treatment for people with organ failure.
By donating your organs after you die, you may be able to give someone else a second chance at
life.

Improving quality of life: Transplanted organs can improve the quality of life for recipients by
enabling them to live more active and healthy lives.

Honoring the wishes of the donor: Some people choose to become organ donors because they believe it
is a way to honor their own values and beliefs about helping others.

There are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Medical concerns: There are some medical conditions that may disqualify you from being an organ
donor. It is important to discuss your decision with your healthcare provider to determine whether
or not you are eligible to donate.

Religious or cultural beliefs: Some people may have religious or cultural beliefs that conflict
with organ donation. It is important to consider how your beliefs may impact your decision.

Emotional considerations: Making the decision to become an organ donor can be emotionally difficult
for some people, as it involves thinking about their own mortality.

Ultimately, the decision to become an organ donor is a personal one that should be made after
careful consideration of all of the factors involved. If you are interested in becoming an organ
donor, it is important to discuss your decision with your family and healthcare provider, and to
make your wishes known to them.

Organ donation and transplantation makes sense to me, it is up to each person what path they choose
but I know that if I could help relatives or friends in this way I would not hesitate even though I
know what an interference it is with my health.In my work I have pointed out a few ethical aspects
that we should not forget and the controversial topic of brain death and organ donation. In this
case, it is difficult to judge whether the person is still alive or whether they are only being
held by machines. it is easy to say that it is right to donate organs if a human being is only
surviving on machines until they are in a situation where a loved one is lying on a bed.


References

[1]  Organ Donation and Transplantation. Cleveland Clinic [online]. 2021 [cit. 2022-12-16].
Dostupné z: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11750-organ-donation-and-transplantation

[2]  Brain death. Organ Donation India [online]. [cit. 2022-12-16]. Dostupné z:
https://www.organindia.org/what-is-brain-death/

[3]   Donation after brainstem death. NHS Blood and transplant [online]. [cit. 2022-12-17].
Dostupné z:
https://www.odt.nhs.uk/deceased-donation/best-practice-guidance/donation-after-brainstem-death/

[4]  Organ donation. Wikipedia [online]. [cit. 2022-12-18]. Dostupné z:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_donation

[5]  Organ donation and transplants. PAHO/WHO [online]. [cit. 2022-12-17]. Dostupné z:
https://www.paho.org/en/topics/organ-donation-and-transplants







Michaela Gajdošíková, M22966-FAM