Axel Gosseries: Age as a proxy in euthanasia and organ transplant

Abstract

As part of a broader project on the acceptability of age criteria in policy, I look in this presentation at one central aspect: the use of age as a proxy. I look at whether reliability in prediction is sufficient to render a proxy acceptable. I then look at the need for a proxy when an individualized assessment is in place anyway. I compare three practices: the use of age for driving rights, the right to euthanasia for minors (based on the Belgian experience) and age criteria in organ transplant (based on the Swiss case). I conclude on whether the use of age limits is acceptable in these three cases.