Philosophical and Moral Issues of Organ Transplantation at the Close of the Twentieth Century

<i>Editor's note: Organ transplantation and the associated ethical topics such as the criteria for brain death continue to be of critical interest to Catholics, both physician and lay. Thirty years ago, Fr. Joseph Howard took a look at the philosophical and moral aspects of organ transplantation, and his words are still relevant today. New, recent insights into the residual functioning of the brain in the face of extensive injuries pose an additional question for Catholic physicians: to what extent do we owe a duty to our patients to explain to them the nature of the uncertainties and debates surrounding both donation and transplantation, in order for them to make an informed decision for themselves or their loved ones?</i> Linacre Quarterly. 1994 Nov;61(4):57-64.