International principles of deceased donor organ allocation

Transplant professionals are entrustedwith a unique position in the practiceof medicine—the stewardship ofthe organs from either the deceased or livingdonor. This stewardship entails two majorresponsibilities for which society holds transplantprofessionals accountable: the equitableallocation of deceased donor organs to medicallysuitable recipients, and the evaluationand care for the living organ donor. Data,experience and ethical principles relevant toorgan transplantation become invaluable infulfilling these responsibilities and they arepresented in this Editorial.