Should alcoholics get liver transplants?

BBC ^ | Last Updated: Monday, 14 July, 2003, 11:14 GMT 12:14 UK | By Richard Warry

[Cinnamon Girl]

There does seem to be serious problems that sometimes arise with the various systems of organ transplant. And the more any hospital or country removes the guidance of religious ethics to help with moral decisions, the more there will be amoral actions taken.

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[ken5050]

See: Mickey Mantle..

[ALASKA]

Should alcoholics get liver transplants?

NO

[Mr. Bird]

I've always been of the opinion that there shouldn't be an automatic disqualification for alcoholics. The article pretty well addresses the factors that should be weighed, i.e. evidence of commitment, etc. If we start disqualifying alcoholics automatically, when do we start disqualifying fat people for hearts or reckless drivers for anything?

We'd be asking physicians to start making value judgements, and I think their focus should be on making their patients better.

[bigfootbob]

Don't forget about "Papa" John Phillips and Larry Hagman too. As a person who's possibly going to need a liver transplant in 5 years from Hepatitis C contracted from a blood transfusion 30 years ago, I would prefer non-reformed alcoholics not be allowed a transplant unless it's donated by a family member. Alcohol is extremely bad for damaged livers, I stay away from all forms including mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

[randog]

I have a good friend that had a serious drug problem in his youth and contracted hepatitis. He has since found God, got a college degree, got married, had a child and is living a decent, moral life. He is not eligible for a liver transplant because of the circumstances surrounding his disease, but he's OK with that and acknowledges that he made mistakes in his life and must pay for them.

[Dr Warmoose]

This is the beauty of socialized medicine. Under the old rules, if a person had the money and could afford it then little was denied to them. With Socialized Medicine, it appears that icarcerated criminals have a chance at the head of the line before the "alcoholic" with the financial means, just because it is "unfair" that someone who abused their liver getting drunk should have one when this miserable looking person over there, by our means of reckoning, is more deserving.

Under the new rules, one needs to sign up with advocacy groups. Those who are obese and are heart attack candidates, should ban together and lobby the Powers That Be to remove any stigma that may prohibit them from getting that rationed care.

Homosexuals and drug addicts should ban together and plead the case that AIDS and hepatitis knows no demographic boundaries, and everyone should just ignore those lying statistics and fork over the free/subsidized health care.

I guess money still talks, just not at the hospital. If you want a particular medical treatment your money is much better spent on a politician.

[ken5050]

Good luck to you, my friend...I wasn't aware of the two other cases you mentioned..

[Dr Warmoose]

Who are you, and by what authority do you claim to have any say over another person's healthcare?

When you say that alcoholics should be denied liver transplants, then you are setting up a precedent that any private transaction needs to be approved by the Life Style Police - and it seems that you are bucking for the job as Chief.

[Protagoras]

Why is it any of your (or anyone else's) business?

[Protagoras]

When you say that alcoholics should be denied liver transplants, then you are setting up a precedent that any private transaction needs to be approved by the Life Style Police

Bingo! But don't think you will get much support for small unintrusive government around here.

[Cinnamon Girl]

Since the families of organ donors don't get money for their love one's organ DONATION how is it a business transaction? Also, the families have no say in who gets the organ as far as I know.

[misterrob]

Some people just like to live in judgement of others.

weighing my two cents on the matter, as a recovering alcoholic (14 years plus sober....thank God) I have seen people go out and make make major transformations in their lives by learning to live sober. It isn't easy and some people just never get it regardless of how much they try. Regardless though everyone is responsible for their own life and as such for those who continue to drink, they shouldn't be eligible for transplants until they have demonstrated the ability to stay off booze.

It's not a judgement issue rather a resource decision. Do we put an organ into someone who wants to live or put it into someone who's actions show that they don't respect their own life?

[Protagoras]

Since the families of organ donors don't get money for their love one's organ DONATION how is it a business transaction?

Who said it was?

Also, the families have no say in who gets the organ as far as I know.

They should. And they should get paid if they want to.

[Protagoras]

they shouldn't be eligible for transplants until they have demonstrated the ability to stay off booze.

Who says? Who should be making the decision?

It's not a judgement issue rather a resource decision.

If I want to give my organs to someone who's business is it other than mine?

Do we put an organ into someone who wants to live or put it into someone who's actions show that they don't respect their own life?

WE?

[Cinnamon Girl]

I like what you said. An alcoholic I know was only able to stop drinking when he was put on medication. I wonder if this guy could be helped in that way. Also, the comments in the article about "drinking is a social thing" may be part of the problem in this case. If he doesn't recognize his addiction, how can he commit to stop?

[MEGoody]

Should alcoholics get liver transplants? Not if they are still drinking.

[Cinnamon Girl]

You are basing your comments on a theoretical practice. The way it is now, donors don't choose the recipients, and people who need a transplant are put on a waiting list.

[Sabertooth]

Alcoholics should get liver transplants if they can afford them, and they've got a willing seller.The donor's estate should make the decision, and be compensated.