Earlier this month, the BBC reported that researchers in the United States were growing human organs inside of pigs. A pig embryo is gene edited. For example, the DNA of the embryo that would let it grow a pancreas is deleted. Then, human stem cells are injected into the embryo to “fill the gap.” The embryo would then grow a pancreas that consists of human cells. The research is considered highly controversial, but the team of researchers from the University of California is hoping to find methods to overcome the shortage of organs that are needed.
The National Institutes of Health issued a moratorium on funding this type of research, issuing concerns about the cells spreading to the pig’s brain and making it more human. Scientists have continued through private funding. This research is still in its early phases because the embryos are only allowed to develop 28 days before being removed and studied. The normal gestation of a pig is about 114 days.
Scientists are also attempting to grow organs in petri dishes with some success. Some scientists have reproduced body parts through 3D printing, but solid organs have not been produced through this method as of yet. The Department of Defense supports bio-manufacturing initiatives, and it has pledged $160 million towards those projects. These initiatives are all years away from being sustainable. The need for organ donation is now.
Addressing Organ Donation Needs Today
According to one organization, 95 percent of Americans support organ donation. The problem isn’t in finding support for organ donation, it’s in getting people registered to provide organs upon death. Currently, only about half of the population is registered to donate organs. In 2014, in New York, the figure was much lower, and only 12.7 percent of the residents registered to donate organs.
The shortage is huge. Just in America, it’s estimated that about 72 people die each day waiting for a transplant. About 79 people every day receive an organ donation. Why don’t people donate? The reasons are complex. Some cite a mistrust of the medical profession, while others are confused over brain death. Many people haven’t discussed organ donation with their families, leaving tough decisions for a group of people who are already stressed.
Another serious problem that reduces the number of organ donations includes medical factors. People who are obese cannot donate a kidney, no matter how willing they are. Time is also a factor in getting viable organs. Some organizations believe that the inconsistent approach by each state is another element that prohibits organ donation. People are not aware of the rules concerning consent.
Are You Eligible to Donate?
While being in good health is one way to ensure your organs can be donated, you don’t have to be in perfect health to sign up to donate. Actually, the ability to donate is determined at the time of death. Doctors may be able to use your eyes, even if your kidneys are ineligible. Age, race, sex, gender and even pre-existing conditions do not always matter.
One of the best ways to address the lack of donors is to get people registered to donate organs. This takes the decision out of the loved one’s hands when he or she already is dealing with hundreds of other decisions. Take a few minutes today and go to organdonor.gov and find out how you can become an organ donor. Tell your family of your intentions. Educate yourself and others about organ donations. Your doctor cannot treat you any differently if you’re an organ donor. Know the facts about organ donation and change a life, or rather eight lives from just your organs. Another 50 lives can be touched by tissue donation. Creating organs in animals might be controversial, but until people act to make changes, scientists need to address the organ shortage.