Arguing the ethics of facial transplantation.
While 7 face transplants have been performed around the world, to date, there remains debate regarding the validity of this procedure. We submit that performing a facial transplant-in the appropriately selected patient-is technically defensible and ethically sound. By outlining the technical and ethical boundaries of the debate, responding to the key arguments against the procedure, and describing its motivations and potential benefits, we state our justification of facial transplantation.
Alexander
Ashlin J
AJ
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, ON, Canada. ashlin.alexander@gmail.com
Alam
Daniel S
DS
Gullane
Patrick J
PJ
Lengelé
Benoît G
BG
Adamson
Peter A
PA
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D054445:Facial Transplantation / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D011584:Psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology