ISHLT Statement on Transplant Ethics

Published 27 June 2022

Are Martin Holm, MD, PhD; Savitri Fedson, MD, MA; Andrew Courtwright, MD, PhD; Anne Olland, MD, PhD; Kelly Bryce, PhD; Manreet Kanwar, MD; Stuart Sweet, MD, PhD; Thomas Egan, MD, MSc; Jacob Lavee, MD

J Heart Lung Transplant. Oct 2022; 41(10):1307-1308

• Advanced Heart Failure & Transplantation
• Advanced Lung Failure & Transplantation
• Cardiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Ethics
• Health Policy Guidance Statement
• Publications & Journals
• Pulmonology
• Standards & Guidelines

Thoracic organ transplantation improves the length and quality of life of patients with severe heart or lung disease using a vital organ donated from a human being. It is both a medical and societal endeavor that is bound by ethical principles. Among these principles are autonomy and respect for persons, utility which includes beneficence and non-maleficence, and justice, which includes fair allocation, health equity, and legal responsibilities. Together, these principles provide a general framework for navigating the complex ethical issues that arise in thoracic organ transplantation.

The ISHLT endorses the views described in the World Medical Association (WMA) Statement on Organ and Tissue Donation on Organ and Tissue Donation, in the WMA Statement in Measures for the Prevention and Fight against Transplant-related Crimes, and in the Declaration of Istanbul.

Read at JHLT