Risks of Organ donation

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In most cases, the recipient of the organ does not experience physical problems but will have to take immuno-suppressant drugs to prevent their body rejecting the new organ. These drugs have side effects, including an increased risk of developing some types of cancer.

The donor may experience some problems such as prolonged wound pain or depression after the operation.

There are ethical questions regarding live organ donation. If more people donated organs after their death, it would not be necessary to use live donors. There is concern about the possibility of pressure being put on people to donate to a family member, as well as concern over the sale of organs, particularly in Eastern Europe.