"Body property": challenging the ethical barriers in organ transplantation to protect individual autonomy

One of two articles related to the current organ shortage, this article advocates the need for legislation to recognize organs and tissues separated from the body as a distinct category of personal property. After addressing the legislative history of organ procurement and psychological barriers to donor consent, the article examines the importance of separating the lifetime rights of ownership in our own bodies from postmortem rights. Ultimately, the author proposes a futures market approach to this problem in which individuals before death, or surviving family members after death, are permitted sell the decedent's organs in a private contract.     

Damned if they do, damned if they don't: the need for a comprehensive public policy to address the inadequate management of pain

Amy Dilcher examines the need for a comprehensive pain policy and argues that opioids--highly effective drugs for pain management--should be legally and practicably accessible to medical professionals and their patients, as and when needed to provide relief from pain. The article synthesizes a number of perspectives regarding the regulation of pain management and demonstrates that the inadequate treatment of pain stems from a multitude of barriers. After reviewing Congressional action on the topic, Ms. Dilcher concludes with recommendations for a more comprehensive pain policy that would enhance the management of pain.