When life hangs in the balance, determining who receives an organ transplant can feel unbearably heavy. Traditionally, these decisions fall to doctors, donors, family members, and spiritual advisers—but George Washington University senior Seyeon Moon highlights another vital perspective: philosophy.
A philosophy major and recipient of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences’ Luther Rice Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Moon is investigating the moral complexities of organ donation. Her research goes beyond clinical urgency and medical compatibility, delving into the profound ethical dilemmas embedded in the U.S. transplant system.
In the United States, over 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, with around 22 dying each day while waiting. Moon studies not only medical protocols but also the ethical principles guiding these life-and-death decisions. She collaborates with transplant surgeons, bioethicists, and policymakers to examine questions such as: Should children be prioritized? How should prior living donors be considered? Should behavioral factors—like alcoholism, smoking, or incarceration—impact who receives an organ?
“The moral questions surrounding medical decisions are among the most complex and nuanced,” Moon says. “Philosophers and ethicists know how to ask the right questions.”
Read More: Canyon Ranch Tucson Triumphs as One of the World’s Top 5 Luxury Wellness Havens
The Organ Transplant System in the U.S.
For nearly 40 years, the organ donation system has been overseen by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a nonprofit under federal contract. UNOS maintains the transplant waiting list and coordinates between hospitals and organ procurement organizations to match donors and recipients.
However, the system is currently in flux. Congress has investigated alleged mismanagement, prompting plans for reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Even as reforms progress, organ allocation still relies on criteria like medical urgency, blood type, body size, and organ viability—especially for perishable organs like hearts and lungs. UNOS’ ethics committee contributes to guidelines, but questions remain about how ethical considerations influence real-world decisions.
Moon’s research doesn’t aim to rewrite these guidelines. Instead, it shines a light on the ethical tightrope of organ allocation, encouraging policymakers to thoughtfully balance competing priorities.
“Ethics lies at the core of everything we do,” she explains. “Given that healthcare touches millions of lives every day, it’s imperative that we make the right and just choices in every decision.”
Philosophy in Action
Moon’s path to philosophy was unexpected. Originally interested in public health and medicine, she considered a career in law. After taking a bioethics course with Elton Professor of Philosophy David DeGrazia, Moon realized how philosophical reasoning could shape public policy—from AI in healthcare to euthanasia debates to animal welfare.
“I didn’t find the human aspect in science,” Moon recalls. “Philosophy clicked for me. It teaches critical thinking that applies directly to complex societal problems.”
Her faculty adviser, Associate Professor Laura Papish, notes that philosophy research is as rigorous as scientific inquiry. The CCAS Philosophy Department combines theoretical and empirical expertise, allowing students to explore abstract concepts and practical dilemmas.
“We have faculty focused on theoretical, historical, and applied philosophy,” Papish says. “Students like Seyeon are interested in using philosophy to clarify and solve real-world problems.”
Moon’s research incorporates real-world data and scientific reasoning to examine UNOS’ guiding principles: utility, justice, and autonomy. She consulted a transplant hospital in Hawaii and bioethicists in D.C., confronting complex questions: Does a patient’s location affect prioritization due to travel time? Do financial limitations inadvertently disadvantage those with fewer transplant options?
“These are murky waters,” Moon says. “As ethicists, we envision ideal solutions. As bioethicists, we must propose realistic recommendations that can be implemented.”
Papish emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the project:
“It requires understanding diverse perspectives on harm and benefit, considering public opinion, and evaluating practical allocation criteria. It’s exceptionally complex.”
Ethical Dilemmas in Organ Allocation
Organ allocation forces society to face difficult moral questions: Should younger patients receive priority? How do we honor prior living donors? Should lifestyle or behavior affect eligibility for scarce resources?
Moon’s research highlights the tension between ideal ethical frameworks and practical realities. While UNOS strives to balance urgency, compatibility, and long-term success, human factors like equity and access are often overlooked. Patients with limited resources or geographic constraints may face disadvantages that clinical measures alone cannot address.
“It’s not just about who gets the organ first—it’s about fairness, justice, and empathy,” Moon says. “Every decision impacts real lives in profound ways.”
Her work prompts reflection on systemic biases and societal values, demonstrating that ethical inquiry is not abstract—it directly affects human lives.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Moon’s research demonstrates philosophy’s real-world impact. By applying ethical principles to healthcare challenges, she shows how philosophy can guide critical, high-stakes decisions. Her findings aim to inform policy discussions, contribute to academic discourse, and potentially reach UNOS’ ethics committee.
She plans to publish her research in a peer-reviewed journal and present at conferences, including the CCAS Research Showcase. Moon hopes her work will foster dialogue on ethical standards and equitable access in organ transplantation.
“This is an emotional topic,” she says. “These questions affect individuals, families, and communities. As a philosophy researcher, I want to ensure fairness and equitable access for everyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Seyeon Moon?
Seyeon Moon is a senior at George Washington University and a philosophy major. She is conducting research on the ethics of organ transplantation through the Luther Rice Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
What is the focus of her research?
Moon’s research explores the moral and ethical questions surrounding organ allocation, including prioritization of patients, obligations to prior donors, and the fairness of current transplant guidelines.
Why involve philosophy in organ transplants?
Philosophy provides tools to critically examine ethical dilemmas. It helps address questions about justice, fairness, and societal obligations that go beyond medical or procedural criteria.
How many people are waiting for organ transplants in the U.S.?
Over 100,000 people are currently on the organ transplant waiting list, with approximately 22 dying each day while waiting for a transplant.
What organization manages organ transplants in the U.S.?
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) manages the national transplant waiting list, coordinating with hospitals and organ procurement organizations.
Are there controversies in the current organ allocation system?
Yes. UNOS has faced scrutiny for alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency, prompting discussions about reform and improved ethical oversight.
What ethical dilemmas are considered in organ allocation?
Key dilemmas include whether to prioritize children, whether behavior like alcoholism or smoking should affect eligibility, and how to balance utility, justice, and autonomy in life-and-death decisions.
Conclusion
Seyeon Moon’s research reveals that organ transplantation is far more than a medical or logistical challenge—it is a profound ethical undertaking. By applying philosophical reasoning to real-world dilemmas, she highlights the importance of fairness, empathy, and justice in life-and-death decisions. Her work demonstrates that philosophy is not merely theoretical; it provides essential guidance for shaping policies that affect thousands of lives. As the organ transplant system evolves, integrating ethical reflection alongside medical expertise ensures that every decision respects human dignity and strives for equitable access.