Mtv's "True Life" implicity asks: Would you give your kidney to an ingrate?

The ep was titled "I Need a Transplant." Sounds tragic enough, two young twentysomethings are each fighting life-or-death battles during which a family member swoops in to save the day by offering up a body part.

The wrinkle lies in the fact that Morgan, a lovely young girl of 22, has already gotten one kidney ... from her father.

However, in trying to live the normal life of a college kid, she leaves home only to end up neglecting her daily medication regimen (about 20 pills per day) while partaking in the sort of kidney-stressing recreational substances and dietary habits that college kids often do. The required routine care was a burden on her personal and social life, explains Morgan. But what's the alternative?

She had to return home not only contrite, but sick enough to have to ask her mom for a kidney. After eight and a half years her first kidney transplant is now failing in the doctor's opinion because of a "lack of good adherence to taking your medications."

"I think this time I actually have, like, my priorities straight," says Morgan. But after a lifetime of illness and a short respite of pretending to be normal, she's faced with some pretty high stakes.

Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at four years old, Morgan endured long nights of dialysis until the time she was 13 when it stopped working and she accepted the kidney donation from her dad. Of course he was more than happy to do it.

But what about now? What about mom? Not only is this a huge physical sacrifice (and ongoing health risk), it's also mom's first surgery. And it's a major one. Thankfully, all went relatively smoothly and both mother and daughter emerged as well as could be expected. But if Iwere in that mother's shoes, in the deepest and darkest corners of my soul, I would have to question the validity of my decision; that's because I judge people on actions, not words. And past actions spoke far louder and clearer than I would like.

Of course, maturity plays a role in this, and I don't think any of Morgan's neglect was done with malice. Still, if anyone, this child should understand the risks and general malaise that comes with surgery and serious illness.

Morgan does take on some personal accountability regarding the future by telling her sister --- who's actually her best donor match --- that no matter what happens, she won't ever accept a kidney from her.

Whether playing to the cameras or planning for reality, at least it's a step in the right direction.

Check out the episode online.