Review Paper_A Women's Job, A Man's Privilege? Identifying Ethical, Racial, Societal Factors in the Prevailing Gender Disparity in Organ Donation

Background: Women have been major organ donors in the world while men have predominantly played the role of recipients. This, along with various socio-cultural, racial, and economic factors as well as personal attitudes and beliefs, has made it difficult to meet the growing demand of organs for transplantation. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevailing degree of gender disparity in organ donation and to find out factors which contribute to such disparity. Methodology: Search were performed using the MeSH terms and the related keywords on MEDLINE. A total of 47 out of 60 articles were included. This study analyzed the various reviews on the association between gender and organ transplantation, and the factors that may influence the same. Results: We found that there exists a gender disparity not only where women donate more but men are the major recipients, and that multiple other factors medical or otherwise either directly or indirectly contribute to the same. Despite males and females having equal likelihood of getting through the required steps to be approved as a donor, females have shown more likelihood to agree to donate their organs, live or otherwise. Men are more likely to donate for their children than for their wives. Male and younger recipients are favored, while females and middle-aged or older donors are preferred. Conclusion: Gender disparity in organ donation exists throughout the world and there is a need to bridge this gender gap through a concerted and cohesive plan of action.