organ transplantations

organ transplantation

One organ donor has the potential to save seven lives. One tissue donor can help more than 60 people with their donation. In theory, there could be hundreds of thousands of organs available each year. Unfortunately, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, there were only
25,459 organ transplants performed last year.

There are several factors behind the organ shortage. Only a small percentage of people who might serve as organ donors
actually do so. The reason for this is that only a small amount of people die in circumstances that make organ donation possible. Other factors include: reluctance to become an organ donor, and family refusal to donate organs of a deceased loved one. Because such a small number of potential donors become actual donors, the question arises as to what kind of policies need to be instituted in order to increase organ availability.

The issue of organ donation also raises several ethical issues. Some feel that procuring organs without family consent shows a lack of respect for the grieving family. Others feel it is unethical to disregard the wishes of the deceased. Despite this ethical debate, the Nebraska legislature has passed LB138, known as First Person Consent, in an effort to increase organ donation. This law states that a legal document indicating an individual’s desire to become a donor upon their death will eliminate the need for next of kin consent. This law ensures a person’s wishes to be an organ donor will be carried out.