This is the second edition of this publication which contains guidance on the transplantation of organs, tissues and cells of human origin for therapeutic purposes. It sets out safety and quality assurance standards for the procurement, preservation, processing and distribution of human organs, tissues and cells, in order to promote ethical concerns which recognise the safety and dignity of the donor and the recipient. The guide also contains the additional protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine on the transplantation of organs and human tissues.

Organ transplantation saves thousands of lives each day but raises some questions of principle. This guide, which is published on a biennial basis, provides guidance for all those involved in transplantation and other clinical applications of organs, tissues and cells, with the aim of optimising quality and reducing risks. The topics covered are: quality management, principles for ensuring the quality of organs, tissues and cells; selection of donors; organ procurement and preservation; tissue and cell procurement; tissue establishment; transplantation practices.

As the use of human body parts has become increasingly commercialized, a need has arisen for new approaches to regulation that moves beyond the paradigm of altruism. During the course of this discussion, the notion of property has become a key concept. Focusing on practical and conceptual perspectives, the multidisciplinary group of authors, which includes specialists in philosophy, law, sociology, biology and medicine, have come together with practicing lawyers to consider both legal provisions and patterns of regulation in countries across Europe. Identifying divergences between different legal traditions, the authors explore various conceptual models which could be used to improve and to guide policy making. With this twin focus on practical and conceptual perspectives, this volume sets the standard for a detailed and innovative discussion of issues surrounding the regulation of research on human tissue.

This publication raises many ethical concerns about the current state of transplants and xenotransplantations in Europe today, including organ shortages, waiting lists and organ trafficking. It also presents the situation (and legislation) in many European countries, the Council of Europe's work in this field and the standpoints held by different religions vis-á-vis transplants. It also includes information on relevant legislation, international transplant statistics, useful websites and a glossary.