The need for organs for transplantation far outstrips the supply. Efforts to increase donation must protect the interests of living and deceased donors. 

Code of Medical Ethics opinions: organ procurement

• Transplantation of Organs from Living Donors: Opinion E-6.1.1
• Organ Donation after Cardiac Death: Opinion E-6.1.2
• Studying Financial Incentives for Cadaveric Organ Donation: Opinion E-6.1.3
• Presumed Consent & Mandated Choice for Organs from Deceased Donors: Opinion E-6.1.4
• Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: Opinion E-6.1.5
• Anencephalic Newborns as Organ Donors: Opinion E-6.1.6

Organ transplantation is unique in that it involves two patients, donor and recipient, both of whose interests must be protected. 

Code of Medical Ethics opinions: organ transplantation

• Guidelines for Organ Transplantation: Opinion E-6.2.1
• Directed Donation of Organs for Transplantation: Opinion E-6.2.2

Xenotransplantation is a novel proposal for addressing the shortage of transplantable organs that can pose distinctive ethical challenges with respect to patient safety and public health.

Code of Medical Ethics opinions: special issues in organ procurement & transplantation

• Xenotransplantation: Opinion E-6.3.1

Chapter 6: Opinions on organ procurement & transplantation (PDF)

AMA Code of Medical Ethics

Visit the Code of Medical Ethics page to access additional Opinions, the Principles of Medical Ethics and a list of CME courses that are available.

These Opinions are offered as ethics guidance for physicians and are not intended to establish standards of clinical practice or rules of law.