Organ donation and ethics — could Australia accept the Spanish model of organ donation?

Abstract

There is currently a shortage of organs for transplantation in Australia. Spain introduced a new, centralised system of organ donation in 1989 and since then has had a dramatic and sustained increase in the rate of donation. This paper considers whether a similar model could be morally acceptable in Australia. Issues of consent and sources of conflict between the different parties involved in donation and transplantation are considered. It is argued that increasing staff training, enhancing communication and the decision making process have the potential better to meet the needs of all those involved in donation and transplantation.