Anencephalics as organ sources.
In recent years, the need for infant organs for transplantation has increased. There is a growing recognition of the potential use of anencephalics as sources of organs. Prevalent arguments defending the use of live anencephalics for organ sources are identified and criticized. I argue that attempts to deny the applicability of the "dead-donor rule" are either question-begging or based on false premises and that attempts to skirt the Kantian dictum against treating others as a means only are not successful. I contend that the apparent utilitarian justification for live anencephalics as organ sources is unsatisfactory for two reasons: first, because it ignores the undermining effect the policy would have on parental values and sentiments central to social welfare; and second, because attempts to respond adequately to the slippery slope argument against live anencephalic use are unconvincing.
Sytsma
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Department of Philosophy, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb 60115, USA.
D000757:Anencephaly; D001926:Brain Death / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001927:Brain Diseases; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D028681:Moral Obligations; D009014:Morals; D033282:Parental Consent; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D028723:Personhood; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States; D026712:Value of Life; D035761:Wedge Argument