無脳症児をめぐる医学的・倫理的・社会的・法的諸問題

Anencephalic infants

看護総合科学研究会誌

Anencephalic infants have devastating and observable neurologic defections. The cerebral hemispheres are usually completely absent. Recently, in some foreign countries, there have been argument concerning the use from organs of anencephalic infants in the context of insufficient transplantable infant organs. This issue is concerned with the problem of whether such infants can be considered as "brain death". I outline the position that anencephalic infants are possible donors. First, This view is based on the artificial abortion by reason of congenital deformity. The second issue is concerned with "The immediate procurement approach". This approach alters current law in order to allow organ donations from live-born anencephalic infants. And the final issue is "The intervention approach". This approach helps maintain organ stability in anencephalic infants until they come to "whole-brain death" Next, I explain the argument against the use of organs from anencephalic infants. This position is epitomized by two issues the dignity of human life and "The slippery-slope arguments". In addition, I discuss a case held in the Florida Supreme Court. Finally, I consider the medical, ethical, social and legal issues concerning the nature of anencephalic infants.