Human tissue legislation and medical practice: A benefit or a burden?

McLean, S., Campbell, A., Gutridge, K. and Harper, H. (2006) Human tissue legislation and medical practice: A benefit or a burden? Medical Law International, 8(1), pp. 1-21. (doi: 10.1177/096853320600800101)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/096853320600800101

Abstract

The scandals surrounding organ removal and retention throughout the United Kingdom provoked several Inquiries and ultimately led to law reform. Although the medical professions were well represented at the Inquiries, little was heard of the voices of those at the ‘coal face’. In this scoping study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, we interviewed a number of doctors and others engaged in the uses of human tissue and organs to explore their hopes, concerns and fears about the role of the law in their practices. We found that those involved in transplantation were more aware of, and more actively involve with, the law, whereas others, such as pathologists, had less direct engagement with the law. Most of those we interviewed expressed the hope that law reform would provide much-needed clarity. Although some expressed concern that the law might be over-intrusive, most felt that the placing of authority firmly in the hands of the person him or her self to decide what should happen to their bodies was to be welcomed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McLean, Professor Sheila
Authors: McLean, S., Campbell, A., Gutridge, K., and Harper, H.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Law
Journal Name:Medical Law International
ISSN:0968-5332
ISSN (Online):2047-9441

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