Kidney to Share

Kidney to Share is a book that tells the story of Martha Gershun's decision to donate a kidney to a stranger, and it is placed in the larger context of the history of kidney transplantation and the ethical controversies that surround living donors. Gershun and John D. Lantos explore the steps involved in recovering and allocating organs, analyzing the differences between living and dead donors, and observing the expertise and shortcomings of doctors, nurses, and other professionals. They ask us to consider how far society should go in using one person's healthy body parts to save another person.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In her captivating book, "Kidney to Share," Martha Gershun delves into the deeply personal decision she made to donate a kidney to a stranger. Through meticulous storytelling, she guides readers through the intricate process of screening potential donors to ensure their physical and psychological suitability for such a significant operation. Accompanied by physician and bioethicist John D. Lantos, Gershun's story is placed within the broader context of kidney transplantation history and the ethical dilemmas it encompasses. Together, they shed light on the advancements that have made transplantation a relatively safe and effective treatment option, as well as the legal, ethical, and economic policies that facilitate it.

Gershun and Lantos delve into the intricate steps involved in organ recovery and allocation, examining the distinctions between organs sourced from living donors and those from deceased individuals. They observe the expertise and limitations of doctors, nurses, and other professionals, as well as the burdens placed upon those willing to donate. In this raw and vivid portrayal, Gershun and Lantos challenge readers to contemplate the extent to which society should resort to utilizing one person's healthy body parts to save another.

"Kidney to Share" offers a unique blend of personal and analytical perspectives, resulting in a profound and captivating exploration of a largely opaque practice. Gershun and Lantos peel back the curtains, providing readers with a more transparent glimpse into the fascinating world of organ donation. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding this life-saving endeavor.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501755439