Because of the scarcity of available hearts for transplants, doctors must make difficult decisions about who should receive them. Who should be first in line to receive heart transplants? If the following two people needed transplants, and there was only one healthy heart available, which should receive it?

Write an essay explaining who should receive the heart, and why.

Robert:
Robert is 56 years old. He has suffered from heart disease for five years, and has been waiting for two years for a heart transplant. He is married, has two children in their 20s, and one grandchild who was born last month. Other than his heart, he is in good health, and has an excellent chance of recovery should he receive a heart soon.

Nancy:
Nancy is 24 years old. After several operations to repair her heart, her doctors have told her that she needs a heart transplant. Nancy is single with no children. In addition to her heart problem, she suffers from diabetes, a treatable disease that affects her blood.