Before transplants could take place, laws set legalization. The Anatomical Gift Act declares donation of organs and tissues legal. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OTPN), a national organ sharing system under the supervision of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), guarantees the fair distribution of organs and tissues through a computer generated waiting list, while the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care sets standards for donors and hospitals to follow regarding organ and tissue procurement or acquisition (Organ Transplantation). Although an individual may need a transplant, UNOS does not guarantee a spot on the waiting list due to insurance and costs. Organ donors do not pay any costs; however, recipients pay extensive fees to receive the donated organ. Some health insurances pay part of the medical fees, but UNOS denies uninsured individuals spots on the waiting list if fees can not be …show more content…
Xenotransplantation refers to the study and use of animal organs as replacements for human organs. With this new breakthrough, the number of needed donors decreases. How does it work? Transplants classify as concordant or discordant. Concordant refers to a transplant of organs across a closely related species. These transplants present acceptance much easier than discordant, which refers to transplants across a diverse species (Fung, John J.). Discordant transplants bring barriers such as xenoantibodies, which are present in the recipient. Since the immune system fights off foreign antibodies, the xenoantibodies cause immediate rejection or hyper acute rejection. Although rejection presents as high, promise exists since immunosuppressant drugs exist. Chimpanzees present genes that are closest to humans, which makes them the superior donor. Due to extinction, they prelude from use. Baboons display the next closest resemblance. However, pigs, which are considered discordant, provide hope because they can be genetically modified. With the new advancements in research, the Xenotransplantation Advisory Committee creates guidelines for xenotransplantation trials as well as reviews public safety issues. Xenotransplantation entices scientist to further their research for the possibility of animals saving