The Ethical Complexities of Online Organ Solicitation via Donor–Patient Websites

[okarol]

The Ethical Complexities of Online Organ Solicitation via Donor–Patient Websites: Avoiding the “Beauty Contest”
E.M. Neidich1, A.B. Neidich2, J.T. Cooper2,3, K. A. Bramstedt4
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2011.03765.x

American Journal of Transplantation
Volume 12, Issue 1, pages 43–47, January 2012

Abstract

The proliferation of the Internet has spurred the creation of websites dedicated to facilitating living directed organ donations. We argue that such sites potentially devolve into “beauty contests” where patients in need are evaluated on the basis of their personal appearance and biography—variables which should have no relevance to organ allocation. Altruism should be the guiding motivation for all donations, and when it does, there is no place for a beauty contest. The power of the Internet is optimally used when it facilitates Good Samaritan donations—donations to any stranger, rather than handpicked ones. Social networking sites which aim to match potential donors and patients should mask personal identifying information, allowing the ethical principles of altruism and justice to guide organ allocation.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-6143.2011.03765.x/abstract

[iketchum]

With so many people waiting for a transplant, pretty or Butt ugly, if they can find an organ on one of these sites, it puts me closer to my transplant.

[okarol]

My husband's idea is each month UNOS could take the top 10 or so people that have been waiting for kidneys the longest, help write their stories, take a nice photo and send out a press release. It would help with awareness of kidney disease and quite possibly find living donors for these folks.

[amanda100wilson]

Okarol, what a great idea.  Do you know if anyone has trie to sell this to UNOS.  Not sure about a photo though, although I suppose as long as potential altruistic donors wouldn't get to choose then it would be ok.

[ToddB0130]

W.T.F. ,,,,, a beauty contest ??  Really ? ........... Well,  I know I've got the talent portion down and I'll probably be able to ace the interview portion .........but I've got some work to do on the bathing suit  part ...HA !!

[plugger]