KIE Professor of Medical Ethics and Senior Research Scholar Robert Veatch has been lending his voice to the public discussion of ethical issues surrounding former Vice President Dick Cheney’s recent heart transplant. Dr. Veatch notes that, while everyone appreciates that an organ recipient’s age is a factor in the expected benefit from a transplant, it remains unclear to what extent justice requires us to consider age in allocating organs to those who need them. In his own words: “While most assume [justice] requires equal access regardless of age, I have been developing a ‘fair innings’ argument that younger people deserve priority.”

Click the links below to hear more from Veatch and others on age and organ allocation.

• The Diane Rehm Show — Understanding the Organ Transplant Process — March 29, 2012
• NPR’s Morning Edition — Cheney Operation Underscores Heart Transplant Issues — March 26, 2012
• ABC7 — Dick Cheney Heart Transplant: Age of Transplant Recipients Debated — March 25, 2012