Abstract

KIE: In view of the increasing need for transplantable organs and the failure of awareness education and legislation to increase organ donation, Peters proposes as a policy a death benefit payment to motivate families of potential cadaveric donors. The program, which would be administered through existing organ procurement agancies, would pay $1000 to the consenting next-of-kin in any case where solid organ recovery for transplantation is completed. Peters discusses the issues of altruism and coercion, organ brokerage, benefits to the socially and economically deprived, legal aspects, and the payment process. He proposes establishing pilot programs to determine the impact of death benefit payments on organ recovery, with a national program to follow if the supply of donor organs increases.