John Portmann attributes the current shortage of organs
for transplantation to the dual effects of bioethics'
reverence for autonomy and a general anxiety in the public about
cutting bodies. Contrary to Portmann, I argue that attributing even
partial blame to autonomy for organ shortages wrongly locates the
problem. Indeed, there is reason to believe that waiting lists
would be considerably shortened by respecting people's
autonomy. I also question Portmann's explanation of the
general aversion to organ donation in terms of a deep-seated
anxiety about cutting bodies.