More than any other altruistic gesture, blood and organ donation exemplifies the truespirit of self-sacrifice. Donors literally give of themselves for no reward so that the life of an individual often anonymous may be spared. But as the demand for blood and organs has grown, the value of a system that depends solely on gifts has been called into question, and the possibility has surfaced that donors might be supplemented or replaced by paid suppliers.

Last Best Gifts offers a fresh perspective on this ethical dilemma by examining the social organization of blood...

More than any other altruistic gesture, blood and organ donation exemplifies the true spirit of self-sacrifice. Donors literally give of themselves for no reward so that the life of an individual-often anonymous-may be spared. But as the demand for blood and organs has grown, the value of a system that depends solely on gifts has been called into question, and the possibility has surfaced that donors might be supplemented or replaced by paid suppliers.

Last Best Gifts offers a fresh perspective on this ethical dilemma by examining the social organization of blood and organ...