Ethical issues in organ transplantation

Critical care clinicians are central to the organ transplantation process and therefore should be aware of the myriad ethical issues it raises. Organ donation can transform the lives of transplant recipients. However, it also warrants particular ethical scrutiny. Organ procurement is a procedure that cannot physically benefit the patient upon whom it is performed. Moreover, the potential donor is usually unable to actively consent to donation, as they are incapacitated by terminal illness. This article reviews contemporary debates in vital organ transplantation, including the merits of 'opt in' versus 'opt out' donor registries and the 'dead donor rule'.