The compulsory donation of organs and the death row inmates: an analysis from bioethics standpoint

Abstract

This article aims at debating the compulsory donation of organs by death row inmates in view of the demand for organs and tissues for transplants that is far higher than their supply, which leads to necessity of finding ways to increase donations. This article advocates that compulsory donation of organs by death row inmates should be understood as human rights violation, instead of a measure to foster social justice. It discusses the scope of the principle of human respect, approaching individual self-determination and its competence, as well as the feeling of altruism in light of the Brazilian legislation and in view of death row inmates’ vulnerability under the international legislation on such theme.