Commercialization of Organ Transplants
Commercialization of Organ Transplants
I’ve recently done research regarding the commercialization of Organ Transplants. I’ve found many arguments for and against this subject. Some individuals find the act to be unethical, and other’s think it will save lives. The problem is that a new policy was proposed to allow sale of organs by consenting individuals to patients in need and to medical institutions. When it comes to the subject of human organs, there are a few ethical standards to consider. There are religious standards, social norms, ethical code, morals, and policies in which we should follow. Critics argue that permitting organs to be bought and sold is unethical. Meaning that to commercialize organs transplants would violate an ethical code and social norm.
During my research I’ve found many pros and cons concerning the commercialization of Organ Transplants. One of the pros would be that it shortens the waiting time for those in need of transplants. For example, if you have been on a waiting list to receive a kidney and there are more donated organs you will receive one quicker to save your life. Another pro for commercializing organ transplants are an individual’s rights to have the freedom to do what they wish with their body organs. Some people might equate this example to abortion stating that the government shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do with your body. During NOTA (National Organ Transplant) act of 1984 “one commentator has argued that the "very existence of a law forbidding alienation of organs paradoxically portrays the human body as 'an article of commerce ' that lies within the purview of Congressional power and would otherwise be subject to sale on the market."(Gwen, Mayes) There are some more pros to these organ transplants such as money incentives for those in financial strain, and tax benefits for the government. Anything that can be sold on the black market, would be more beneficial
I’ve recently done research regarding the commercialization of Organ Transplants. I’ve found many arguments for and against this subject. Some individuals find the act to be unethical, and other’s think it will save lives. The problem is that a new policy was proposed to allow sale of organs by consenting individuals to patients in need and to medical institutions. When it comes to the subject of human organs, there are a few ethical standards to consider. There are religious standards, social norms, ethical code, morals, and policies in which we should follow. Critics argue that permitting organs to be bought and sold is unethical. Meaning that to commercialize organs transplants would violate an ethical code and social norm.
During my research I’ve found many pros and cons concerning the commercialization of Organ Transplants. One of the pros would be that it shortens the waiting time for those in need of transplants. For example, if you have been on a waiting list to receive a kidney and there are more donated organs you will receive one quicker to save your life. Another pro for commercializing organ transplants are an individual’s rights to have the freedom to do what they wish with their body organs. Some people might equate this example to abortion stating that the government shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do with your body. During NOTA (National Organ Transplant) act of 1984 “one commentator has argued that the "very existence of a law forbidding alienation of organs paradoxically portrays the human body as 'an article of commerce ' that lies within the purview of Congressional power and would otherwise be subject to sale on the market."(Gwen, Mayes) There are some more pros to these organ transplants such as money incentives for those in financial strain, and tax benefits for the government. Anything that can be sold on the black market, would be more beneficial
References: Gwen, Mayes. (2003). Buying and Selling Organs for Transplantation in the U.S: National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 (NOTA) Bans Buying and Selling. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/465200_2 R.W., Evans. (2008). Ethnocentrism Is an Unacceptable Rationale for Health Care Policy: A Critique of Transplant Tourism Position Statements. American Journal of Transplantation. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=32458756&site=ehost-live&scope=site Immanuel, Kant. (1785) Foundations for the Metaphysics of Morals.