L09-Transplantation and body donation

Question 1

What was the anatomy act of 1832?

Answer 1

That bodies of prisoners were the prisons property and could be given to anatomists. The same was true of asylums until 1920, opinions changed after WW2.

Question 2

Who does a body belong to?

Answer 2

Lawful possesion of body goes to next of kin until time of burial

Question 3

What does the human tissue act deal with?

Answer 3

Removal post mortem or transplantation. Removal and storage of body parts.

Question 4

What is the key principle of the 2004 human tissue act?

Answer 4

Consent. Aims to balance individual/families rights with utilitarianism (education/research)
Children can consent if gillick competent or adult can consent if not
Adults must give consent for live or informed advanced declaration for donation after death. A nominated person can make a decision after death.
Regulations over consent of adults who lack capacity

Human tissue authority
Remit and licencing
Issues code of practice
Regulates transplants and prohibits commercial dealings of organs

Section 43
It is lawful for hospital authorities to take minimum steps to preserve organs of deceased persons whilst the appropriate consent to transplantation is sought.

Question 5

What are the three parts of the human tissue act and transplantation?

Answer 5

Part 1 - consent and organ transplantation (getting consent)
Part 2 - human tissue authority (licensing and codes of practice)
Part 3 - miscellaneous (hospitals can keep organs in good condition until consent is found out)

Question 6

What are the for and against arguments for the ‘no choice’ type of organ donation?

Answer 6

For:

• Would provide much needed organs
• ethical arguments of saving lives
• Utilitarianism (greatest good for most people)
• Justice as satisfying need

Against:

• would undermine trust of profession
• people have right to choose what happens to their bodies after death

Question 7

What are the advantages of donors decision being final?

Answer 7

Autonomy should be respected after death
No need to approach relatives
Removes difficult decision for relatives
Relatives cannot interfere with donors wishes

Question 8

What are the arguments for the decision being left to the relatives?

Answer 8

Need to get balance between respecting autonomy nd relatives wishes
All views should be respected
Potentially reduces selfishness in relatives as may be happy to give organs

Question 9

What are the arguments for organ trading?

Answer 9

Relatives possessions so can use to help pay for funeral costs
No disrespect as death puts end to person.