Abstract

Organ transplantation is a life-saving medical procedure that has grown tremendously over the past years and has transformed modern healthcare by giving countless patients a second chance at life who suffer from organ failure. However, the growing donor organ shortage has spurred the need for bioengineered organs to address this crisis. Like a coin with two sides, these advancements also pose ethical and legal challenges that may hinder fair and responsible organ transplantation and bioengineering . The fair allocation of donor organs, the risk of organ trafficking, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations are some of the ethical concerns people face very frequently . Issues such as informed consent, religious beliefs, and the commodification of human organs cause ethical concerns, which prolong the process of organ transplantation1. Dilemmas arise concerning genetic modifications, human enhancement, and long-term safety implications, which raise concerns about accessibility and healthcare disparities due to the high cost of the technologies2. From a legal perspective, organ transplantation is governed by varying regulatory frameworks across countries, with differing policies on organ procurement, consent systems, and measures to combat illegal organ trade 2. As this technology advances, existing laws must adapt to protect patients, uphold ethical standards, and ensure fair access to life-saving transplants. This paper examines the ethical and legal challenges surrounding bioengineered organs by analysing existing research, real-world cases, and policy discussions. By shedding light on major concerns and possible solutions, it seeks to contribute to the broader conversation on ethical and responsible practices in transplantation and bioengineering.

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