Role of the Family in the Organ Donation Decision: Minority Populations

Abstract

Many people wish to help others—through family, friends, or even strangers. Whether this desire is a manifestation of altruism proposed as common to all humans26 or simply of one’s personality, its fruits need not stop at death. Promoted as giving the “gift of life” by the United Network for Organ Sharing and many donor organizations,33 donating one’s organs can save or help as many as 50 people.17 There are, however, many challenges associated with organ donation. This essay focuses on the role of the family—specifically, families of racial minority background—in contributing to the organ donation shortage. It considers ethical standards such as informed choice and respect for autonomy to propose that education of the family unit would increase the number of organs ultimately donated.