Stem Cell Transplantations Between Siblings as Social Phenomena: The Child's Body and Family Decision-making

This book explores the ethical considerations of bone marrow transplantation between minor siblings, based on qualitative research with 17 families. It covers reflections from donors, recipients, and other family members, as well as family interactions, and raises questions about the appropriate inclusion of young children in the treatment process and the ethical challenges faced by parents and medical professionals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 279 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book provides valuable insights into the short- and long-term experiences of families who have undergone bone marrow transplants between minor siblings. Drawing from the first extensive qualitative study involving 17 families, it explores both recent transplant experiences and those from up to 20 years ago. The book delves into reflections from donors, recipients, and other family members, as well as the dynamics within the family.

Transplantation of bone marrow from a sibling to a child suffering from a blood cancer like leukemia is a life-saving treatment. However, young children cannot give their consent independently. How can they be adequately involved, considering their age? What ethical dilemmas arise for parents during treatment and aftercare, as well as for medical professionals in clinical and regulatory contexts?

To delve deeper into the findings presented in this book, a distinguished group of scholars from the fields of bioethics, family sociology, and philosophy of medicine has come together. Their expertise and perspectives enrich the discussion, offering a comprehensive exploration of the ethical considerations surrounding bone marrow transplants between minor siblings.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031041655
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022