July 13, 2009

Dead Enough? Government Sponsored Organ Harvesting

Jenny Small is a researcher with Judicial Watch, a conservative, non-partisan educational foundation promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in government, politics and the law.

There is a shortage of organ donors. Donating is one thing, however, harvesting of organs is another. The difference lies with consent. It's at this point where this subject can become tricky because harvesting involves a preparation process.

For example, in New York City they have what's known as the Rapid Organ Recovery Ambulance Program. It sends out a second ambulance after the first one goes out. Jenny noted that after resuscitation efforts fail, there is a two minute "hand off" period before they begin preparing organs.

Can medical personnel know conclusively if a person cannot be resuscitated and therefore begin preparation for organ harvesting? What are their responsibilities concerning the obtaining of consent? What are your consent responsibilities? Is all of this a slippery slope leading toward euthanasia?

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