Money talks, money kills - The economics of transplantation in Japan and China

Journal/Book: Bioethics. 1999; 13: 108 Cowley Rd, Oxford Ox4 1Jf, Oxon, England. Blackwell Publ Ltd. 236-243.

Abstract: Japan and China have long resisted the Western trend of organ transplantation from brain-dead patients, based on a 'Confucian' respect for integrity of ancestors' bodies. While their general publics continue to harbor grave doubts about such practices, their medical and political elites are hastening towards the road of organ-harvesting and organ-marketing, largely for economic reasons. This report illustrates the ways that economics is motivating brain-death legislation in Japan and criminal executions in China.

Note: Article Becker C, Kyoto Univ, Kyoto 606, JAPAN

Keyword(s): ORGAN-TRANSPLANTATION

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