Ethics and Organ Donation After Cardiac Arrest

Since the first successful organ transplant in the 1950s, considerable good has occurred by saving the countless lives of those who would have otherwise succumbed had it not been for this unique gift of life. Medicine has come full circle- uniting the end of one life (cardiac arrest) with the renewed chance of extending the life of another (organ donation after circulatory death). This paper addresses the ethical issues that arise in the transition, respecting our attending need to: first do no harm.