Abstract

This chapter discusses the barriers to donation, the role of different incentives, and the successful experience of Iran in promoting organ donation. The lack of knowledge about brain death, controversies regarding compensationalist incentives for live donation as opposed to brain-dead donations (BDDs), and giving consent to donation on behalf of someone else are the three main barriers to improving organ donation in Iran. Incentives with a compensationalist component were found to be sensitive and controversial, and familist incentives were believed to have no significant effect on the decision in favor of organ donation. This chapter argues that offering to pay the funeral expenses of deceased donors is both compensationalist and honorary. It not only constitutes a symbol of respect for the deceased person and their family but is also a compensational incentive for the grieving families, in addition to serving as an effective public education tool regarding brain death.