Egendorf, Laura K. Organ Donation.

Egendorf, Laura K.  Organ Donation.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)     2013  182p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6333-1  series: Opposing Viewpoints  jr/sr  E  Nonfiction      

This volume in Greenhaven Press's Opposing Viewpoints series examines the controversial issue of organ donation. The four main questions covered by the book's nineteen opinion pieces are "Is the organ allocation system fair?", "How can organ donation be increased?", "What ethical issues surround organ donation?", and "What is the future of organ donation?" These chapters look at issues like how organs are allocated, whether it ought to be legal to sell organs for money, whether presumed consent to donate is the right way to get more donors, who should be allowed to donate, and what other options are available for recipients.  Most of the pieces are between six and ten pages in length, and each includes an overview of the piece and three questions for readers to consider as they read it.  It is relatively important to note that articles in Greenhaven Press anthologies are often edited to meet page length requirements, and the original titles of works may be changed to clearly present the main thesis and indicate the author's opinion. This means readers must assume that the presented material has not misrepresented the original author's opinion, or else find the source material and verify the matter. It is not difficult to find original sources, however, as the editors make every effort to cite the source on the first page of each article.  The selections offer a comprehensive and comprehensible representation of many aspects of organ donation that will enlighten more mature readers, from middle-school age to adulthood.    The Opposing Viewpoints series presents previously published writings on a variety of controversial subjects in order to demonstrate alternative or opposing views and encourage readers to think critically about assumptions and biases.   

Summary: This volume in Greenhaven Press's Opposing Viewpoints series examines the controversial issue of organ donation. The selections offer a comprehensive and comprehensible representation of many aspects of organ donation that will enlighten readers.

Organ donation                                        --Bethany Geleskie