Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Hispanic Studies(Spanish), Nursing
Expected Graduation Date
2023
Location
CNS Atrium, Easel 16
Start Date
4-15-2023 10:30 AM
End Date
4-15-2023 11:45 AM
Abstract
Organ transplants among the undocumented immigrant population in the United States is a controversial subject for those articulating with healthcare for this high-risk group. The Latin American immigrant population living in the United States have higher incidences of comorbidities and other health conditions. This population is less likely to receive an organ transplant due to their undocumented status and because they are not a citizen of the United States. In most states, documentation is needed to obtain a driver’s license. Obtaining a driver’s license is an easy way to be added to an organ transplant registry. Additionally, the Latin American population is less likely to be an organ donor due to cultural barriers. These barriers include the belief of needing the body to be buried whole and that donation after cardiac death does not meet some of the criteria that guarantees that the donor is deceased. The controversy is if undocumented immigrants should be given organs if they need a transplant. The argument against giving organs to the undocumented include that it would be taking away from citizens of the United States. Also, there will be an increase in migration to the states where undocumented immigrants can obtain a driver’s license, which can put a strain on existing resources with the population influx. The argument for undocumented immigrants receiving organ transplants is that no human should be turned away. Even without documentation, anyone should be able to be added to the organ transplant waiting list as if they were a citizen of the United States.
Barriers Surrounding Organ Transplants Among the Undocumented Latin American Population
CNS Atrium, Easel 16
Organ transplants among the undocumented immigrant population in the United States is a controversial subject for those articulating with healthcare for this high-risk group. The Latin American immigrant population living in the United States have higher incidences of comorbidities and other health conditions. This population is less likely to receive an organ transplant due to their undocumented status and because they are not a citizen of the United States. In most states, documentation is needed to obtain a driver’s license. Obtaining a driver’s license is an easy way to be added to an organ transplant registry. Additionally, the Latin American population is less likely to be an organ donor due to cultural barriers. These barriers include the belief of needing the body to be buried whole and that donation after cardiac death does not meet some of the criteria that guarantees that the donor is deceased. The controversy is if undocumented immigrants should be given organs if they need a transplant. The argument against giving organs to the undocumented include that it would be taking away from citizens of the United States. Also, there will be an increase in migration to the states where undocumented immigrants can obtain a driver’s license, which can put a strain on existing resources with the population influx. The argument for undocumented immigrants receiving organ transplants is that no human should be turned away. Even without documentation, anyone should be able to be added to the organ transplant waiting list as if they were a citizen of the United States.