Social Media and Organ Donation

Hi, my name is Sophie. I am 46 years old and a married mother of two lovely boys, Jake and Josh. Two years ago I developed renal failure after suffering from meningitis. I am very fortunate that the doctors and nurses managed to save my life, but unfortunately my kidneys did not recover and I need dialysis three times a week. I have been told that my life expectancy will be shortened unless I undergo a transplant, and so I am now looking for someone to donate a kidney. Are you that kind, generous person who could help save my life?

• Is it lawful for someone to advertise for an organ donor?
• Is it ethically appropriate for a stranger to donate an organ to someone they ‘met’ through social media?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

Source – Ethics Case Studies from Clinical Ethics and Law (Second Edition), Carolyn Johnston Penelope Bradbury