title: Allocation of livers for liver transplantation: ethics and politics.
abstract: The supply of livers for transplantation is not adequate for the number of patients waiting for liver transplantation. The allocation and distribution of the limited supply of livers is hotly debated at the United Network for Organ Sharing. The principles of medical utility and justice must be balanced in an equitable distribution scheme. Excellent local liver transplant centers should be available to all patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and the Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Transplantation, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Norman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States