Grayce P. Storey
There are many ethical issues that comes to mind when I think of organ donations. It was only a short while ago a program regarding Organ Transplants was aired on national television that a company revealed that they dispersed the most organs for transplanting. The question that came to my mind was, is there race on between organizations? Interesting, on that same program was a couple still grieving over the loss of their little girl, they explained that they felt coerced into giving their daughter's organs to that particular organization to be used for transplants. There was really no need for that to have occurred. The procurement organizations provide ample support, patience, and information to donor families.
I discussed Organ Donors with my students to get an idea of their concerns. It was interesting to learn that we share some of the some concerns. Some of the ethical issues of my students that I found fascinating are:
• Is it ethically wrong for a family to deny loved one's organs once they are pronounced dead?
• Are you denied an organ if you are financially depleted?
• Does race play a part in who gets the organ?
• Does special organizations help with the cost of transplanting?
My students concluded that their organ parts are theirs, therefore they should not feel intimidated nor threatened if they should decide not to donate their organs.
It was brought to my attention that the low percentage of donors is due to the lack of public education regarding the benefits of organ donations. Eighty percent (80%) of my students concluded that, "maybe I will become an organ donor because I will be dead anyway." Some wanted to be buried with their organs. Some said "make sure I am really dead before you try anything". With live organ donations they had no problems. They thought it was a good idea to be able to help mankind. The conversation was great but in reality have no idea of what is actually involved in becoming an organ donor.
I think this unit will be of great interest to my students judging from their responses in class as well as a good public relations piece. I am limited in what I can share. I hope to gain an abundance of knowledge in my seminar, Medical Ethics and The Law. I am sure the information extrapolated from this seminar will be educational for me and my students in the humanistic and legal aspects on becoming an organ and tissue donor. It is my desire that they will share their gained knowledge with family and friends thereby helping to increase the number of organ and tissues donations.
This unit will be taught in my eighth grade science class for two weeks. The unit will consist of an introduction several sub-topics such as:
• What are the organs and tissues that can be used for transplant? (all organs tissue and bone marrow)
• Who can be a donor ? (almost anyone, physical and medical circumstances prevent individuals from becoming a donor)
• Cost! ( the donor does not have to pay, only the recipient but not for the organ, but for all fees involved in the transplant)
• Who gets the organ? (qualified physicians determine who gets the organs according to specific guidelines)
• Bereavement! (a specified support staff is in place to assist)
• Tissue donors, ethical issues and questions, a sample donor card, a conclusion, lesson plans, resource list, end notes, a suggested reading list, and a bibliography.
I am inspired to do this unit because my sister died from a rare liver disease and an organ was not available. She was on the liver transplant list for many months. Once the declining process was in full swing it seemed to have moved very rapidly. You see, she received a tainted blood transfusion that caused this problem. She lived about 15 years after the transfusion. Once the blood got into her body it was too late, although they stopped the transfusion. I feel that had she received a liver she would have lived. I am very bitter about the whole episode, the rush was made too late to pair her up. My heart goes out to those who may have to endure similar circumstances. That is why I want others to be aware of the importance of becoming an organ donor.
The purpose of developing this unit is to educate the students of the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor. This unit will enhance the students thinking skills in decision making. The fact needs to be emphasized that there are young people that are in need of organs, tissue, and bone marrow. They too may be able to save a life. My intent is that the knowledge obtained from this unit will be shared with family members and the community and the community will become actively involved in organ donations.
This unit will embrace the objective of the Improved Comprehensive School Plan (ICSP), by stressing critical and analytical thinking. It will also address literacy which is a focal issue throughout the city.
