Critical Summary: Alcoholics And Liver Transplantation
Eunice Bingley
PH 442 Bioethics
08/31/2012
Critical Summary 3 ("Alcoholics and Liver Transplantation") Many moral, ethical, and medical issues are raised in “Alcoholics and Liver Transplants” (JAMA, March 13, 1991, Vol. 265, pp. 1299-1301). The authors, Carl Cohen and Martin Benjamin dissect the many arguments against giving liver transplants to those who abuse alcohol. Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, severe scarring due to the heavy use of alcohol is by far the major cause of end-stage liver disease. Cohen and Martin do not believe that someone that has induced this disease by alcohol abuse is no less deserving of a liver transplant than someone that takes care of their self. They support the moral argument by stating, “If alcoholics
PH 442 Bioethics
08/31/2012
Critical Summary 3 ("Alcoholics and Liver Transplantation") Many moral, ethical, and medical issues are raised in “Alcoholics and Liver Transplants” (JAMA, March 13, 1991, Vol. 265, pp. 1299-1301). The authors, Carl Cohen and Martin Benjamin dissect the many arguments against giving liver transplants to those who abuse alcohol. Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, severe scarring due to the heavy use of alcohol is by far the major cause of end-stage liver disease. Cohen and Martin do not believe that someone that has induced this disease by alcohol abuse is no less deserving of a liver transplant than someone that takes care of their self. They support the moral argument by stating, “If alcoholics