Understanding the Position of the Savior Sibling: How Can We Save Lives and Protect Savior Siblings?

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the ethics of the process for creating and using savior siblings as genetic material donors. In the past twenty years, use of savior siblings has increased when living donors cannot be located. Traditionally, a savior sibling is a child conceived to provide transplantable genetic material needed by another sibling. This thesis suggests a broader and more useful definition of "savior siblings." While usage of savior siblings has increased, little research has been done to understand how being a savior sibling influences the psychosocial development of these children. Chapter 1 of this thesis briefly presents the climate surrounding savior siblings and briefly examines some international processes for creating and using savior siblings. Chapter 2 contains a review of existing research regarding savior siblings. Chapter 3 discusses the ethical concerns related to the creation and use of savior siblings. Chapter 4 analyzes two fictional films that present narratives about the dangers of unrestricted savior sibling use. Finally, Chapter 5 reviews and proposes guidelines for reducing trauma associated with serving as a savior sibling.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Mills, Janelle

• adolescent donor

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/39113

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/39113