Legal Issues of the 3D printing of Organs



, , , , , , , , , , ,

One Response to Legal Issues of the 3D printing of Organs

  1. Thomas Batelli March 3, 2017 at 1:33 pm #

    There are many legal and ethical aspects to consider when talking about artificial organ printing. I thought the video was very informative on these issues and I think there is an interesting perspective being offered. Naturally, when I think of 3D organ printing even being a real “thing”, I imagine all of the people that can be cared for and saved that are suffering from horrible diseases and potential organ failure. Obviously, there are other types of people who visualize personal profit from such an invention. Artificial organs create a legal gray area that many people are not sure what to make of.

    This then delves into an interesting topic of ownership. The video tackles how the copyright law can play a large role in this controversy. These organs, if considered to not be a human being, would then fall into the realm of “split-ownership”, which would be between the scientists whom manipulated the cells as well as black market trade plays a huge impact on this scenario as well; because of the lengthy amount of time people have to wait before even being considered for a transplant. The need for organs is essential- obviously, because we need them to live. However, the thought that scientists can “grow” organs in petri dishes or manipulate structures by “stacking” cells to replicate a human organ is astounding, to say the least.

    After I finished the video, I proceeded to the company Organovo’s website listed under the article to see what it was really about; “Changing the shape of medical research and practice: Structurally and functionally accurate bio printed human tissue models”. There is actually a stock market for these artificial organs as well. The website also mentions “The cell source can be either allogeneic or autologous (using the patient’s own cells), which could allow us to avoid transplant rejection and the need for life-long immunosuppressant drugs.” No wonder people are going to craze over this- the scenario pitches nothing but ideals, however there are still ethical issues that profits may blur.

    The unlimited replication of artificial organs will inevitably cause ethical controversy. So far, the company has already successfully replicated a liver and a kidney. As organs are a highly demanded product with a very low supply, the need will always be high. Ethical doctors of course legally can only transplant organs that are donated, however, less-than-ethical doctors can transplant organs that are illegally obtained for significant personal compensation from the person in need. Of course, this is creating an even bigger problem in the natural market, given the “data file” were to get into the wrong hands. Technology can create advancements and opportunities that may seem to be everything we ever needed, however the nature of ethics will always be side by side.

    In conclusion, I am not sure how I personally stand with my opinion on this topic. Of course it would be ideal to have organs replaced at the drop of a tack, however, I think that the gray areas, legally and ethically, speak tremendously for the potential problems that will find their way.

Leave a Reply