The Declaration is not a legal document, nor did those involved in its creation sign it. Rather than compelling compliance with the principles of the declaration, it is hoped that the definitions and principles will guide and inspire better practices in transplantation. With this in mind, endorsement of the Declaration has been sought amongst the many professional societies associated with transplantation medicine.
Societies that officially endorse the Declaration are urged to uphold the principles of the Declaration in their activities and in the practice of their members. They are further encouraged to strive towards achievement of the proposals suggested in the Declaration.
Endorsement not only promotes ethical practice within particular professional societies, it helps to convey the weight of public and professional support for the Declaration, thus encouraging health authoritie
Endorsement of the Declaration does not entail compliance with all the proposals it suggests, however it does require those who endorse it to rigorously apply the ethical principles of the Declaration in their policies, practice and activities. To facilitate this, the following suggestions have been made for organizations which endorse the Declaration: