Legal issues and ethical dilemmas surrounding bone marrow transplantation in children

Bone marrow transplantation is but one of numerous new medical technologies that have raised complex legal and ethical issues. Laws pertaining to medical advances have generally been passed in response to the need to resolve conflicts in judicial opinions rather than in anticipation of those issues which impinge on individual liberties. Bone marrow transplantation law is not an exception. It is, unfortunately, not a product of a planned dialogue between members of those disciplines that could contribute significantly to the development of model codes. Consequently it seems predictable that public policy concerning bone marrow transplantation may not be shaped by the leveling influence that the medical profession can bring to such discussions unless physicians take the initiative to lay the foundations for such dialogues. It is hoped that these discussions will help to enhance and not impede the application of bone marrow transplantation not only for more children but also for other conditions that are not currently treated successfully.