The legality of tissue transplants for the benefit of family members in the UK and Australia : implications for saviour siblings


Autoria(s): Then, Shih-Ning
Data(s)

2009

Resumo

The ethics of creating ‘saviour siblings’ for the benefit of another has received much attention, but little consideration has been given to the legal position of those saviours born who may be asked to provide tissue for transplantation to another during childhood. This article examines the ethical issues surrounding minor donation as well as the existing legal framework in the UK and Australia that regulates minors providing tissue for the benefit of another. Against this background the position of minor saviours, who are called upon to donate bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, is examined. This analysis suggests that the law does not provide sufficient protection for minor saviours who are called upon to donate to another. It is argued that specific ethical obligations are owed to saviours—that ought to be reflected in the law—in order to protect them from exploitation while they remain minors.

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/27238/

Publicador

A B Academic Publishers

Relação

DOI:10.1177/096853320901000102

Then, Shih-Ning (2009) The legality of tissue transplants for the benefit of family members in the UK and Australia : implications for saviour siblings. Medical Law International, 10(1), pp. 23-64.

Direitos

Copyright 2009 A B Academic Publishers

Fonte

Faculty of Law; School of Law

Palavras-Chave #180100 LAW #medical law #saviour sibling #tissue transplantation from minors #United Kingdom #Australia
Tipo

Journal Article