conclusion
Since the writing of this document some disturbing concerns related to
transplantation have been expressed by the American public. These concerns were
made in regard to a few major celebrities such as: baseball star Mickey Mantle,
actor Larry Hagman, and singers Jim Nabors and David Crosby, whom have all
acquired preferential status in transplantation of donor livers. These celebrities
are over 65 years and chronic alcoholics. They are all in the high risk group for
successful survival rate. This information has raised questions and public
awareness concerning a privileged advantage involved in the decision making
process of recipient selection by the health care system.
As a writer doing research I cannot pretend to know the nature of the
legal issues that arise out of these disputes, my intent here is to simply clarify
the reasons for the donor shortage situation. If in so doing I have uncovered
any questionable practices, I apologize, with the hope that as a result of this
paper these issues that have been controversial and under public scrutiny will
ultimately become resolved.
It was my hope to increase donor participation in this thesis not to dissuade
it. However, the fact remains, certain criteria for recipient selection need to be
standardized without exception before the organ shortage can be remedied.
Several suggestions as to financial compensation and reciprocal donor contracts
have been indicated throughout this documentation. There are solutions...
Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a present solution for the inadequacy of
the American Health Care System to provide for all equally.
Until there is a time when the future looks promising for those
who do need a transplant, many will still die waiting...