We have an obligation to provide organs for transplantation after we die

Abstract

The rhetoric of providing organs for transplantation is similar to that of a charity with terms such as 'donate life' and 'gift of life' frequently being used. It is argued that providing organs from deceased individuals should be and is a moral obligation or moral duty. We place high value on the lives of others, even if we do not know them (such as people on the transplant waiting list). And because permitting organ removal after death poses no risks, discomfort, costs or inconvenience, it is an obligation of easy rescue. The transplant community should begin to frame the discussion in these terms. © 2006 The Authors.