Profit Rights for Patients

After reading the article about John Moore (“Case Argues Rights Over Tissue Used in Research,” Part A, April 11) appealing to the state Supreme Court after his cancerous spleen was removed which saved his life, to grant medical patients the right to share in profits from the commercial use of their tissue, I decided that if he wins, he is setting a weird precedent.

Picture this: When people have surgery, they tell their doctor that any organ removed from their body belongs to them and that they are to be kept informed as to what is done with it. So the scientific community discovers, as in Moore’s case, that the diseased organ has valuable properties that would greatly aid humankind. What happens next? Do the doctors and medical research center implement their medical findings or do they first figure out the monetary value of the patient’s organ?

In the meanwhile, I have elected to donate my organs upon my death. Perhaps I should qualify this by stating that if they find anything of value to notify my heirs.

JEANNE LONDE

Northridge