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Why Consent May Not Be Needed For Organ Procurement 

Authors: James Delaney a; David B. Hershenov b
Affiliations:   a Niagara University,
b University at Buffalo,
DOI: 10.1080/15265160902985019
Publication Frequency: 12 issues per year
Published in: journal The American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 9, Issue 8 August 2009 , pages 3 - 10
First Published on: 01 August 2009
Formats available: HTML (English) : PDF (English)
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Abstract

Most people think it is wrong to take organs from the dead if the potential donors had previously expressed a wish not to donate. Yet people respond differently to a thought experiment that seems analogous in terms of moral relevance to taking organs without consent. We argue that our reaction to the thought experiment is most representative of our deepest moral convictions. We realize not everyone will be convinced by the conclusions we draw from our thought experiment. Therefore, we point out that the state ignores consent in performing mandatory autopsies in some cases. If readers are willing to give up the permissibility of mandatory autopsies, we then offer some metaphysical arguments against posthumous harm. Drawing upon claims about bodies ceasing to exist at death and Epicurean-inspired arguments against posthumous interests, we make a case for an organ conscription policy which respects fundamental liberal principles of autonomy, bodily integrity, and property.
Keywords: organ procurement; consent; posthumous harm; conscription; body as property; autonomy of the dead
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