Voluntariness in Living-Related Organ Donation

[Clark]

http://journals.lww.com/transplantjournal/Fulltext/2011/09270/Voluntariness_in_Living_Related_Organ_Donation.2.aspx

Voluntariness in Living-Related Organ Donation
Biller-Andorno, Nikola
Transplantation:
27 September 2011 - Volume 92 - Issue 6 - pp 617-619
doi: 10.1097/TP.0b013e3182279120

Abstract
Living organ donation requires hurting one person—at least physically—to help another. This can be morally justifiable if certain ethical criteria are met, among them voluntary and informed consent. In the existing guidance, voluntariness is usually vaguely defined as the absence of coercion. This, however, is not enough as a basis for making well-considered decisions in individual cases. A comprehensive evaluation, procedural safeguards, and critical awareness of potential pitfalls can help establish the voluntariness of the donor's decision.