From wooden limbs to biomaterial organs: the ethics of organ replacement and artificial organs

Artif Organs. 1995 May;19(5):475-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1594.1995.tb02362.x.

Abstract

This paper discussed issues of ethical assessment and moral concern associated with organ replacement and physical enhancement: research, allocation, organ donation, artificial organs, xenografts, biomaterials, and neuromaterials. While emphasizing the medical and moral benefits over associated risks, it calls for a better integration of moral assessment into technology assessment and for the establishment of a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary International Ethics Committee for Organ Replacement Therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Limbs*
  • Artificial Organs*
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Implants
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Ethics, Medical*
  • Government Regulation
  • Health
  • Heart, Artificial
  • Human Body
  • Humans
  • Lenses
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Nerve Tissue / transplantation
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Research / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Risk Assessment*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Values
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials