Transplantation and Mental Retardation: What Is the Meaning of a Discrimination?

The issue of transplantation for patients affected by mental retardation (MR) has been and continues to be a matter of discussion. The recent policy of the Veneto region, a highly populated area in northern Italy, indicates that patients with MR are not eligible for any transplant of solid organs, indicating intelligence quotient (IQ) <50 as absolute and IQ <70 as a relative exclusion criteria. In the present study, we review current conceptualizations of MR, along with the current knowledge on transplantation in this population. Finally, we will review the international guidelines on this matter and discuss the social, ethical and political significance of such policy, arguing that it discriminates persons affected by MR.