Volume 29, Issue 11 (1-2023)
RJMS 2023, 29(11): 550-568 |
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Research code: 01
Ethics code: 01
Clinical trials code: 01
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Raisi R. The Juridical and Legal Challenges of Artificial and Biohybrid Organ Transplants in Light of Medical Advancements. RJMS 2023; 29 (11) :550-568
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8967-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8967-en.html
Assistant Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran , roohollah.reisi@pnu.ac.ir
Abstract: (230 Views)
Background & Aims: The rapid advancements in biotechnology and medical science have paved the way for the development of artificial and biohybrid organs, offering revolutionary potential in the field of organ replacement and therapeutic interventions. Artificial organs, which are man-made devices designed to replicate the function of human organs, and biohybrid organs, which combine biological tissues with synthetic materials, are examples of cutting-edge technologies that could significantly improve patient outcomes, especially for individuals with organ failure. These innovations offer a promising alternative for individuals waiting for organ transplants, potentially alleviating the burden of organ shortages and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. The development of artificial and biohybrid organs presents numerous opportunities for healthcare, but it also introduces complex legal, ethical, and religious challenges. One of the primary concerns surrounding the use of artificial and biohybrid organs is the issue of ownership. In many countries, the legal status of these organs who owns them, who is responsible for their maintenance and potential failure, and whether they can be legally transferred between individuals or countries—remains unclear. Furthermore, as these organs are often created using synthetic materials, biological tissues, or even cells from other individuals, their use raises significant ethical questions about consent, human dignity, and the sanctity of the human body. From a religious perspective, particularly in Islamic jurisprudence, the use of artificial and biohybrid organs poses unique questions regarding the permissibility of altering or replacing human body parts. The sanctity of the human body and the belief in the integrity of the human form play a central role in Islamic ethical and legal thought. Therefore, scholars and religious authorities must address whether the use of synthetic organs or the modification of human bodies to incorporate artificial components violates core religious principles, such as the prohibition of altering Allah’s creation or the preservation of the body after death. These concerns also extend to the source of biological tissues used in biohybrid organs, with questions surrounding the use of cells from deceased individuals or those who have not explicitly consented to such procedures. In addition to religious considerations, the broader ethical implications of artificial and biohybrid organs must be taken into account. These include concerns about the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations for organ harvesting, the unequal distribution of these technologies, and the social and economic consequences of making these innovations available only to the wealthy. Moreover, the long-term effects of artificial and biohybrid organs on human health remain uncertain, and careful monitoring and regulation are required to prevent any unforeseen risks to patients. Despite these challenges, artificial and biohybrid organs represent a significant step forward in medical technology. By addressing the legal, ethical, and religious concerns surrounding these technologies, society can better navigate their integration into healthcare systems and ensure that they are used responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that respects human dignity and rights. Further research, dialogue, and legal frameworks will be necessary to support the safe and equitable use of these technologies in the future. This study aims to explore the legal and ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial and biohybrid organs in medical practice. Methods: This research employs a qualitative approach with a comparative legal and jurisprudential analysis. The study first reviews existing literature on the legal, medical, and ethical implications of artificial and biohybrid organs. Results: The findings of this study reveal significant legal and ethical dilemmas. From a legal perspective, many countries have not fully addressed the issues of ownership and liability concerning artificial and biohybrid organs. Legal frameworks are often unclear about whether a biohybrid organ belongs to the patient or the manufacturer, and how liability should be assigned in case of organ failure. Furthermore, while artificial organs are widely accepted in many Western countries, their use in Islamic nations faces strong scrutiny, particularly concerning the permissibility of altering or replacing natural human organs. From an Islamic jurisprudence viewpoint, scholars are divided. While some accept the use of artificial organs in cases where no other alternatives exist, others question the impact on human dignity and the potential violation of the sanctity of the human body. The combination of synthetic and biological elements in biohybrids further complicates these concerns. Islamic scholars have differing opinions on whether such interventions violate Islamic principles, especially when the biological components come from deceased individuals or without prior consent. Conclusion: This study concludes that the use of artificial and biohybrid organs presents complex legal and ethical challenges, particularly in jurisdictions where religious principles play a significant role in public life. The legal frameworks regarding the ownership, liability, and consent for these technologies remain underdeveloped and require harmonization. Additionally, Islamic jurisprudence should continue to explore the ethical considerations of altering the human body, with more explicit fatwas addressing the use of biohybrids. The development of these technologies should be done with careful consideration of human dignity, ethical principles, and the sanctity of the body. The findings call for further research and international dialogue to create comprehensive legal guidelines that balance technological advancements with ethical and religious concerns. |
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
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