Presumed consent for organ procurement--does it have a future in the U.S.?
Policies of presumed consent to procure organs for transplantation have stimulated discussion of success/failure in increasing organ availability, technical pitfalls, and ethical dilemmas. The presumption of consent has made inroads in public policy internationally and influenced some state policies. A policy of presumed consent remains unlikely in the face of American attitudes of freedom of choice and respect for individual autonomy, but healthcare providers need to be aware of potential policy changes and how these changes may affect their practices.
Roberts
Carol J
CJ
VCU Health System, MCV Hospitals and Physicians, Richmond, VA, USA. cjrobert@hsc.vcu.edu
D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011639:Public Opinion; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States