Organ transplantation rates in Central Europe: cultural and bioethical considerations

Abstract

Organ transplantation rates vary amongst every nation in the world, including countries in Central Europe and the European Union. Healthcare systems are faced with many discrepancies regarding the number of deceased versus living donors in all countries. This article focuses on examining the current cultural and bioethical considerations in the organ transplantation system of Central Europe, specifically Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Poland. Current discussion and research data show the need to consider these implications as a healthcare system in order to increase promotion within the area of organ transplantation. The European Commission supports the need for these specific countries, along with the whole European Union, to increase their organ transplantation rates and promote public awareness of this issue. EurActiv (European Union Information Website) continues to promote European Parliament’s legislation that sets common EU quality and safety standards for transplants. However, the push to promote efficiency and accessibility of transplantation systems will not come without problems due to cultural and bioethical dilemmas. The issue presented in this article seek to address these concerns, as well as to explore donation rates, transplantation practices, and the varying acceptability of donation across Central Europe.