Gender in Organ Transplantation: Unpacking Inequality

Studies in the medicine suggest that women are at a disadvantage compared to men at critical stages of organ transplantation. These stages include diagnosis of organ failure, referral to specialists, placement on waiting lists, access to organs and post-transplant follow-up. However, women are disproportionately represented among living organ donors. This study examines these gender-based inequalities through the lens of Risman’s theory of “gender as a social structure.” Through literature review, the research evaluates gender inequalities in organ transplantation processes at individual, interactional and institutional levels. Drawing on empirical studies conducted in various international contexts, it discusses in detail the disadvantages women encounter at different stages of the transplantation process.