Dying Teen Is Being Denied A Heart Transplant Because He’s Had Trouble With The Law

[Ms. Toad]

55. I saw the story and was about to come add something similar.

There is a shortage of organs, and far too many people dying on the waiting list. Not everyone who needs a heart will receive one, so they need to do the best they can to predict who will take care of the gift of life.

Failure to stick to a pretty strict regimen of medicine for the rest of one's life is critical to avoid rejection. If you aren't motivated enough to follow rules or your current medical regime when you are on the verge of dying, it will be even harder once you begin feeling well again.

I do think there should be some leeway for children - whose brains are not developed well enough to always make good choices. But even so it sounds to me as if this kid would fall on the wrong side of it.

Best of luck with getting listed. We haven't gone through it yet - but we almost certainly will at some point.