Bioética e transplantes de órgãos e tecidos: um diálogo necessário para superar o problema global de escassez de órgãos

Abstract

Biomedical advances of the 20th century established organ and tissue transplants as a safe method and, in many cases, the only survival option for thousands of patients worldwide. Despite their relevance in saving and/or improving quality of life, the practice raises bioethical debates related to autonomy, medical ethics, human trafficking, and organ scarcity in the face of growing global demand. This study explores the contributions of bioethics to addressing these challenges, with a specific focus on post-mortem organ and tissue donation in a scenario of global shortages. The research adopts the deductive method, based on universal theoretical premises, such as human dignity and bioethical principles, and their application in concrete situations. The study is divided into three chapters: the first presents a historical and legislative analysis of transplants, including international perspectives and the impact of global guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization, the global problems faced, and the Brazilian panorama on the subject; The second addresses fundamental concepts such as human dignity, autonomy and solidarity, in addition to the relevance of Advance Directives of Will (ADV) in end-of-life decisions; the third discusses bioethics as an interdisciplinary field, highlighting principlist and Latin American approaches, such as Protection and Intervention Bioethics, which prioritize a collective and supportive perspective, relating them to the problem of organ and tissue shortages. Based on data from 2022, which indicate that transplants performed worldwide represent less than 10% of the global need, the study argues that bioethics can foster inclusive and supportive solutions, respecting individual autonomy and promoting universal access to health. Through an interdisciplinary and theoretical analysis, based on doctrines, academic articles and national and international legislation, the research seeks to demonstrate how globalized societies can implement genuinely inclusive measures to address organ shortages, ensuring that biomedical progress is accompanied by social justice and respect for human dignity.