Biomedizin am Lebensanfang
Ausgabe: 2/2003
49. Jahrgang
Die Organspende zwischen passiver und aktiver Akzeptanz. Ethische Leitlinien zu einer aktuellen Diskussion
Since 1997, when the Transplantation Act came into force, the willingness to donate organs has declined. A change is not in sight. One of the reasons is the fear of being kept alive needlessly for an extended period of time and of being misused for »spare parts«. In literature one occasionally finds the view that there is a radical obligation to donate ones organs. This view is based on a theory of postmortal utilitarianism and must be rejected on anthropological grounds. Theological ethics should promote organ donation as an act of extraordinary brotherly love. The real problem is the fact that most of the population remains undecided with respect to organ donation. From an ethical point of view it might be acceptable to call for an amendment to the act so that consent to the removal of organs is assumed unless it is expressly withheld.
Zum vollständigen Artikel | Artikel bestellen