Regulating organ transplantation: a case for reform?
Organ transplantation has been one of the great medical miracles: from the first kidney transplant, through to Christian Barnard's first heart transplant in the 1960s, to face transplants. However, the need for organs for transplant has never been matched by a ready supply. It has been argued by some commentators that the shortage could be radically reduced or even eradicated by legal reform, such as the introduction of 'opt-out' legislation or a market in organs. This article explores the current law regulating organ transplantation and the case for reform. It suggests that to focus upon legal reform as a means of addressing the transplant 'crisis' may be an unduly simplistic response. The shortage of organs for transplantation cannot be easily resolved by a single piece of legislative reform.
McHale
Jean V
JV
School of Law, Univeristy of Leicester, UK.
D005060:Europe; D033161:Government Regulation; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom