Some ethical issues in organ retrieval, 1982 to 1992

Abstract

The debate on incentive payments and related issues will continue so long as dialysis and cadaver donation remain out of the reach of physicians in developing countries. This article (from a Western doctor) steps outside the usual debate on these issues by making a practical suggestion which aims at easing the ethical tension of incentive donation rather than insisting on its abolition. "Donors' trusts" may help the situation in India, but should not be applied in any country where effective dialysis is generally available. Nor would I be happy for such a model to be developed in any country where the aim to introduce cadaveric organ donation was not being energetically pursued.