Organ creation, artificially Options

[Holder]

Would it be ethically right or wrong to artificially create organs to replace damaged tissues and organs instead of waiting for available transplants?
There's been a increase of 5% on the previous 12 months within the UK of transplants, though the waiting list is still long, would a solution be to try to put more funding into creating that which isn't already available?
Who would be against giving people a chance to live on or get on with their lives, or is there a more in depth reason as to why this isn't being pushed as hard as it should be?

Do you know of anyone on a waiting list for transplant? What's it like for them and how would you feel if they were offered the chance to have one grown for them?

[BasharTeg6]

Would it be ethically right or wrong to artificially create organs to replace damaged tissues and organs instead of waiting for available transplants?
There's been a increase of 5% on the previous 12 months within the UK of transplants, though the waiting list is still long, would a solution be to try to put more funding into creating that which isn't already available?
Who would be against giving people a chance to live on or get on with their lives, or is there a more in depth reason as to why this isn't being pushed as hard as it should be?

Do you know of anyone on a waiting list for transplant? What's it like for them and how would you feel if they were offered the chance to have one grown for them?

I'm not opposed to organ creation, so long as the method of creation is ethical. I would be opposed, for example, to using fetal stem cells to produce these organs. But if there is another way that doesn't compromise or oppress human life, I have no qualms.

[theBreadSultan]

If Organ Donation were "Opt-OUT" instead of "Opt-IN" then there would be virtually no waiting list.

Tho i see nothing ethically wrong with using fetal stem cells, as long as they are not created for the sole purpose of the research

[X-M-O]

I would think that they would be created for that sole purpose.

You cannot legally have an option of "Opt-Out or else you must donate" because we're talking about your physical being and human rights. No one has the right to take your organs without your explicit consent - nor should they ever have that right.

[theBreadSultan]

not necessarily, Abortions, IVF etc.

Also an opt-in system is not taking things without consent - You can opt-out online, via phone, post etc.
IT Would save lives.

Take sparrow - a sensible chap, pretty safe to say he would be happy for his death to give life to 5+ people,
also he probably doesn't have a donor card.
Those that feel strongly can get a not-donor card.

another option would be to give people $100 if they became organ doners

[X-M-O]

Making it more convenient to opt-out doesn't make it any more right. In the same manner that people have the right to decide where they wish to be buried, or if they wish to be cremated, they also have the right to decide if they wish to donate their organs.

Whilst I agree that everyone should donate their useful organs upon death, I do not agree that it should be forced upon them.

By the way, I see no relevance in giving someone $100 if they became organ donors... Could you explain to me how $100 would be of any use to a dead man? =\
We are discussing this in terms of someone dying and then donating - so that statement is out of context and it should be clarified that you were referring to a living person making a donation. Otherwise it makes no sense, as $100 given to a dead man is $100 wasted. (It wouldn't even pay for a bundle of flowers to be added to the funeral ceremony nowadays.)
Now, if you were to say, "any persons that agree to donate all of their useful organs upon death should receive $2,000", then it would make more sense because that amount of money could actually help to pay for funeral costs.
It's still a large chunk of money though, and someone would have to pay for it - such as a government program or institution or organisation.

[literarygoth]

I agree with the ethical standpoint. I personally don't see a problem with vital organs being created or 'grown' so long as it was done ethically. I've known a couple people who've been on prospective waiting lists awaiting a new organ, one in particular was waiting for a kidney; the process for them was rather painful and took ridiculously long for them to recieve their transplant. Alas, once a suitable donor was found, their body rejected the new organ and they're now back on the waiting list.

Just a note on stem cells - Adult stem cells are far more potent and adaptive than fetal stem cells. And it doesn't require the death of a person in order to 'harvest' them. I suggest looking it up, it's very interesting.

[X-M-O]

I think that people should be allowed to donate adult stem cells to research, so I can agree with those ideas. =]
I think it would be cool to have someone harvest something from me that would then be of use to someone else. (So where I'm not opposed to this type of research, I think that the individuals being harvested should always have the right to Opt-In. In the same way that Blood Donations work.)

[theBreadSultan]

Making it more convenient to opt-out doesn't make it any more right. In the same manner that people have the right to decide where they wish to be buried, or if they wish to be cremated, they also have the right to decide if they wish to donate their organs.

Whilst I agree that everyone should donate their useful organs upon death, I do not agree that it should be forced upon them.

By the way, I see no relevance in giving someone $100 if they became organ donors... Could you explain to me how $100 would be of any use to a dead man? =\
We are discussing this in terms of someone dying and then donating - so that statement is out of context and it should be clarified that you were referring to a living person making a donation. Otherwise it makes no sense, as $100 given to a dead man is $100 wasted. (It wouldn't even pay for a bundle of flowers to be added to the funeral ceremony nowadays.)
Now, if you were to say, "any persons that agree to donate all of their useful organs upon death should receive $2,000", then it would make more sense because that amount of money could actually help to pay for funeral costs.
It's still a large chunk of money though, and someone would have to pay for it - such as a government program or institution or organisation.

well you would receive the $100 when you agreed to become a donor - and the Organs would be collected upon your death.

regarding opt-out - i dont see how it infringes on ANY human rights.
You still have a choice.
it's funny you mention Burials -

The standard burial is basically a "Hospital Cremation" however it is your right to OPT-OUT of this and have something else done.
Like so much in life, there is a default - and there is a choice.
as long as there is a choice - then the default does not matter.

making organ donation opt-out means that all the people who do not care one way or the other - will donate their organs.
Those that do not wish to - can let their organs rot in a coffin if they like

[X-M-O]

That $100 makes more sense. I must have misunderstood your previous mentioning of it. D=

When you put it that way I almost have to agree with you, however I'm of the opinion that the default does matter regardless of choice. =]

[Sparrowsmith]

Take sparrow - a sensible chap, pretty safe to say he would be happy for his death to give life to 5+ people,
also he probably doesn't have a donor card.
Those that feel strongly can get a not-donor card.

another option would be to give people $100 if they became organ doners

You're exactly right, though I do intend to get a donor card - I just think it's a bit pessimistic to do so before I'm 18... I'm not even sure if it's legal.

Anyway, Donating organs should definitely be a choice, and if no donor card is present then the closest family members should be asked.
Failing all else, bring in the medical ethics people...

As for organ creation, go for it. Stem cell research is the way forward.

[GreatWhiteWhale]

Any way that would keep a loved one, or me, alive, and sure, I'd be a donor when I die, I won't have much use for my kidneys or heart anymore