Ethical Problems in Dialysis and Transplantation

Ethical Problems in Dialysis and Transplantation presents an overview of issues with which nephrologists and decision makers are confronted in their daily practice. The search for a universal system of ethics and theories of justice are addressed. Furthermore the work provides a normative ethical discussion of ways of distributing resources with a view to selection and commercialization. Others chapters discuss a philosophical and religious analysis of stopping treatment and the clinical and ethical aspects of stopping treatment in dialysis. Different views from different countries on the subject of dialysis and transplantation are covered including the views expressed by contributors from India, Africa, Japan, Great Britain and China. The work presents the clinician with a guide to the ethical considerations underlying the treatment of dialysis and renal transplantation patients.

One: The principles.- 1. The search for a universal system of ethics: post-modern disappointments and contemporary possibilities.- 2. Theories of justice.- Two: Selection and commercialization.- 3. Ethics issues in selection for dialysis and transplantation: the duty of advocacy.- 4. From him that hath not.- 5. Commercialization: the buying or selling of kidneys.- 6. ‘For-profit’ and ‘not-for-profit’ dialysis: cost cutting and solutions in the USA.- 7. Physicians and industry: can professional integrity be maintained?.- Three: Stopping treatment.- 8. Practical aspects of stopping dialysis and cultural differences.- 9. Religious aspects of stopping treatment.- 10. Legal aspects of stopping dialysis.- 11. An ethical analysis of stopping treatment.- Four: Different views from different countries.- 12. A perspective on reality.- 13. The argument against the unrelated live donor.- 14. Ethical problems in dialysis and transplantation: Africa.- 15. Japanese view of life and organ transplantation.- 16. A different view from different countries: Eastern Europe.- 17. A different view from different countries: United Kingdom.- 18. Ethical problems in renal dialysis and transplantation: Chinese perspective.