November 2000

Among the most dramatic achievements in modern medicine is the ability to replace body parts. Kidneys, hearts, livers can all be transplanted from one human to another. Artificial joints, bones, or heart valves can substitute for the real thing. These procedures have been used to promote the quality of life and extend the lives of the recipients.

Such remarkable advances are providing many new treatment choices. But they are also creating a number of challenges: Who is entitled to receive human organs when the supply is so limited — the youngest, the sickest, the nearest, the wealthiest? These procedures can be extremely expensive. How do we balance the costs against other urgent medical needs? And how do we decide?

Research currently underway — exploring the use of animal organs or of organs derived from stem cells — is raising still more challenges: Are these acceptable sources of organs? Are there limits to what should be done to extend an individual life? Is medicine changing what it means to be human?

This year's Choices and Challenges forum examined the ethical, social, and policy concerns associated with organ transplantation — now and in the future. Check out two 30-minute programs based on the Main Panel Session on PBS!

Addition to Program:

We are especially excited about a first for the Choices and Challenges Project — the use of Judy Upton's play, Pig in the Middle, to present an exploration of the complex debate surrounding xenotransplantation (animal-to-human organ transplantation) through drama.

The play was performed at Baylee's on South Main by an ad hoc local theatre company and directed by Wyatt Galusky. The audience was introduced to four characters (played by Amy Nichols, Jody Roberts, Denise Collins, and Brandy Ellen Cowing) dealing with the very real possibility of using genetically-altered pig organs to replace kidneys in humans.

We were thrilled by the standing-room only turnout for the production and the passionate participation in the informal discussion between the cast, director and audience following the performance. We feel that in an effort to create a public space to provide an opportunity for a community-wide dialogue on the emerging technology of animal-to-human organ transplantation, the Pig in the Middle project was an absolute success.

We look forward to incorporating dramatic pieces into future Choices and Challenges forums.