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Between commodification and altruism: gender imbalance and attitudes towards organ donation. A representative survey of the German community

2008; Routledge; Volume: 17; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09589230802204290

1465-3869

Oliver Decker, Merve Winter, Elmar Brähler, Manfred E. Beutel,

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Abstract The German transplant law (TGP) of 1997 only recognises organ donation if the donor agrees (‘extended consent’) and if done for altruistic reasons. Several alternatives will be discussed here, including incentives and passive agreement. Based upon a representative survey, the authors examined the attitudes of Germans towards several European models of organ donation and their attitude towards organ donation in general whilst living and after death. The acceptance of possible compensation systems was also explored. In Germany the majority do not favour compensation systems, but rather passive agreement. There is evidence of gender difference with respect to this attitude. Men tend to favour compensation systems, women do not. Keywords: organ donationgender imbalanceopting-in vs. opting-out solutionincentives Notes 1. Extended consent: organ removal only possible with the agreement of the donor. 2. Passive consent: organ removal possible unless donor has specifically stated his or her opposition to this during their lifetime. 3. Enforced decision: a decision to opt-out must be made at say 18 years of age, when an entry will be made in one's passport or ID card to indicate approval or disapproval of organ removal.