ORGAN DONATION

Organ Donation

Organ Donation

Thesis Statement

Human dignity transcends any social order as the basis for rights and is neither granted by society nor can it be legitimately violated by society.

Principle of Human Dignity

The intrinsic worth that inheres in every human being. From the Catholic perspective (among other Christian perspectives), the source of human dignity is rooted in the concept of Imago Dei, in Christ's redemption and in our ultimate destiny of union with God. (Zargooshi, 2001)

In this way, human dignity is the conceptual basis for human rights. While providing the foundation for many normative claims, one direct normative implication of human dignity is that every human being should be acknowledged as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life, with an integrated bodily and spiritual nature.(Gewirth,1992)

In Catholic moral thought, because there is a social or communal dimension to human dignity itself, persons must be conceived of, not in overly-individualistic terms, but as being inherently connected to the rest of society. Because the tradition emphasizes the integral nature of our body and spirit, the human body takes on greater significance and value than in the prevailing dualistic conception of the person (see the principle of respect for persons). (Grasso, 2003)

The normative implications of this conception of human dignity impacts much of Catholic moral thought as it pertains to a range of human life issues, including health care ethics. For example, the principle is foundational for the tradition's understanding of distributive justice, the common good, the right to life and the right to health care. Other perspectives, both religious and secular, may conceive of human dignity in similar terms with a similar sense of its inherent worth or value and other implications, but may posit different sources for that dignity.(Gewirth,1992)

Elements Of Autonomy, Fidelity And Confidentiality

Futility of treatment

• Treatment should be consistent with the patient's (clinically realistic) goals.

• Assess each case individually so as to determine whether treatment would be beneficial.

• Avoid interventions that would not benefit the patient and/or prolong suffering.

• Physician's role as an educator helps clarify issues.

Confidentiality

• Complete and absolute confidentiality is the underlying tenet.

• Comply with state laws regarding disclosure to public health authorities and third parties.

Autonomy and informed consent

• A patient has the inherent right of self-determination.

• A patient has the right to consent and a right to refuse diagnostic work-up or treatment. This includes protection from unwanted touching.

• A patient has the right to be educated on the pros and cons of a medical decision.

• Although patient/proxy may request care in excess of what is considered good medicine, individual autonomy should not violate the principle of beneficence and force physicians to go beyond appropriate medical intervention. (Faúndes, 2002)

• Autonomy ceases when a patient's request breaks the law or jeopardizes public health or safety (eg, smoking in one's room in a LTC facility).

• A patient has the right and is encouraged to execute an advance directive. The physician's role as an educator is important in this ...