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Dec 6, 2023

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The Impact of Organ Shortages Angelika Morton Grand Canyon University English 106: English Comp 2 Amberly Neese 11/08/2023 1
Introduction The scarcity of available organs for transplantation has become an increasingly pressing issue in the field of healthcare, giving rise to a cause-and-effect relationship that profoundly impacts both patient waitlists and outcomes. As the demand for life-saving organ transplants continues to grow, the limited supply of suitable organs has created a dire situation, resulting in prolonged wait times and, often, tragic consequences for those in need. In this essay, we will delve into the intricate web of causes and effects surrounding the organ shortage crisis, examining the various factors contributing to this dilemma and the direct repercussions it has on patients and their chances of survival. The Ripple Effect of Organ Shortages Organ shortages have created a ripple effect in the realm of healthcare, with far- reaching consequences for patients and healthcare systems. The scarcity of organs for transplantation has led to extended waitlists, where individuals in dire need of life saving procedures are forced to endure a prolonged period of uncertainty and deteriorating health. As the waitlists grow, patient outcomes are adversely affected, with increased mortality rates and decreased quality of life for those awaiting transplantation. Additionally the strain on healthcare resources intensifies, as hospitals and medical professionals grapple with the challenge of managing an ever-expanding patient population. The ripple effect of organ shortages extends beyond the individuals on the waitlists, impacting society as a whole, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this critical issue. In the United States, for example, the number of patients on the waiting list in the year 2006 had risen to over 95,000, while the number of patient deaths was over 6,300. This organ shortage crisis has deprived thousands of patients of a new and better quality of life (Abouna, G. M. 2008) 2
Strategies to Alleviate Organ Shortages Addressing organ shortages involves a complex web of strategies and innovations, each with its own set of ethical dilemmas. In the Unites States, over 100,000 people are on the waiting list to receive an organ. While waiting almost 10,000 people die or are considered too sick to receive a transplant (Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics). Organ procurement organizations and transplant centers have been striving to increase the pool of available organs through initiatives. These efforts aim to expand the supply of organs, thereby reducing patient waitlists and improving transplant outcomes. However, such strategies can raise ethical questions, including concerns about commercialization of organ donation and the potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Balancing the need for more organs with the ethical considerations surrounding their procurement is a critical aspect of mitigating the far-reaching effects of organ shortages. Ethical Dilemmas in the Face of Organ Shortages The ethical concerns surrounding organ shortages loom large in the field of transplantation. One of the most pressing issues is the equitable distribution of organs. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is responsible for distributing deceased organ donations(Schellinger Et. Al.). There are different policies used to govern where each organ goes, these policies are particularly susceptible to bias. The allocation criteria, which prioritizes factors such as medical urgency and waiting time can create disparities, raising questions about fairness and justice in the allocation process. Additionally, concerns about incentivized donation and potential exploitation of vulnerable populations pose significant ethical challenges. There is a delicate balance to be struck between addressing the urgent need for organs and ensuring that these strategies uphold the principles of autonomy, informed consent, and social justice. Ethical 3
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