"I want your organs"

As reported by the Daily Pennsylvanian, Arthur Caplan, PhD, director of the University of Pennsylvania Center for Bioethics, and faculty member in the Medical Ethics department,gave a talk at the University of Pennsylvania conference entitled, "'I Want Your Organs: How Should We Get Donors and Who Should Get Their Parts?"

Really? Couldn't they come up with a better, more professional title?

I'm sure that this was a fairly straightforward talk to faculty, residents and students (both undergraduates and med students) about organ donation and the supply of organs.

Just as this post got your attention with the headline, I'm sure that the title of the conference was intended to catch the attention of the intended audience.

It looks as though Dr. Caplan may favor the "assumed donor" programs of other countries, rather than our purposeful, consent required process in the US. I would argue against the implied or assumed consent for cadaver donation. I believe that any organ donation should require specific consent, at least from the loved ones who are left behind, if not by the donor himself.

I'm a big proponent of ethical organ donation. However, I am uncomfortable with sensationalizing the subject and the risk of "comodification" or marketing and trivializing of our bodies.

Whatever we are, we can measure and experience only through our bodies, which are more than interchangable parts. If there is to be any respect for one another, the body must be the target of that respect.

I would like to point out that organ donation is not an all or nothing act. If you are uncomfortable with "donating your face," make it known to your loved ones, write it down and your wishes should be honored.