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I believe for some high-technology medicine, like…

“I believe for some high-technology medicine, like transplants and kidney dialysis, age should be a consideration in the delivery of that technology. In a world of limited resources, we have a larger duty to a 10-year-old than to a 90-year-old.” quote by Richard Lamm
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“I believe for some high-technology medicine, like transplants and kidney dialysis, age should be a consideration in the delivery of that technology. In a world of limited resources, we have a larger duty to a 10-year-old than to a 90-year-old.”

Richard Lamm

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Prioritizing scarce medical resources should favor younger patients who have more potential years of life ahead.

In simple terms: Young patients get priority when resources are limited.

Key Takeaway

Allocate limited tech to those with longer future benefit.

Themes

ethics resource allocation ageism healthcare policy

Mood

serious reflective

Type

policy ethical

When to use this quote

  • organ transplant committees
  • dialysis program planning
  • insurance coverage decisions
  • public health budgeting

Key Concepts

utilitarianism distributive justice triage

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance fairness with maximizing life years?
  • What criteria should guide age‑based decisions?
A Different Perspective

May undervalue the lives and contributions of older adults.

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