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The Selling of Human Organs
Grand Canyon University
ENG-106-0501 Composition
12/03/2023
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The Selling of Human Organs
One of the most important medical improvements of the modern era is organ transplantation. The issue of selling and donating organs in the United States has been a topic of debate, with differing perspectives on its ethical implications. Unfortunately, the demand for organs exceeds the number of organ donors. Conversely, numerous opinions exist regarding the potential issues associated with selling organs, as it can lead to financial exploitation and facilitate unethical activities like black market operations. Ethics, by definition, is “a branch of philosophy dealing with principles relating to human behavior, to the correctness and wrongness of certain acts, and the goodness and evil of the motives and ends of such actions” (Ethics, 2012). This is being addressed by many and is significant for individuals in need of functional organs. More than 107,380 individuals including men, women, and children, are currently on the waiting list for organ transplants, and tragically, 21 Americans lose their lives each day while waiting for these life-saving procedures (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). Since there is a shortage of human organs, the selling of human organs is a highly contentious issue that elicits strong opinions from various perspectives. Still, if legalized, it can alleviate the organ shortage crisis, potentially saving countless lives. Over 120,000 individuals awaiting transplants are currently registered on the waiting list (Kappel, 2015). Proponents contend that compensating organ donors could incentivize more people to participate, increasing the supply and reducing black-
market activities. However, opponents raise ethical concerns, emphasizing the potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the commodification of the human body. It is believed that allowing financial means to play a role in organ transplantation would lead to inequality, as those who are wealthy would have an advantage in obtaining organs over those who are not. They argue that organ transplantation should remain rooted in altruism and prioritize equitable
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access to organs based on medical needs, rather than financial means. The debate surrounding the sale of human organs highlights the complex balance between addressing global medical needs and necessitating the development of alternative solutions to address them. Many people think the goal of organ transplantation is to save lives for those in need, not to create a market for
organs. Therefore, it is important to maintain the principles of altruism and equitable access in organ transplantation to uphold the integrity and ethical standards of the medical field. The increasing demand for transplant procedures has led to a controversial debate surrounding the selling of human organs, others argue that it can greatly contribute to increasing the number of organ procedures, and others believe it goes against ethical and moral principles.
The Demand for Organ Transplantation
Due to the significant demand for organ transplants in the United States, numerous patients are presently awaiting their procedures as they remain on the National Transplant List. According to the U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation, “109,000 men, women, and children are on the National Transplant Waiting List as of September
2020” (Organ Donation Statistics, 2020). According to the data, a considerable number of individuals cannot undergo necessary operations due to a shortage of donated supplies in the United States. From an ethical standpoint, the primary motivation behind selling and donating organs was to support transplantation. Without the required supply of organ donors, “21 people die every day from the shortage of available for transplantation” (Facts and Myths on Transplant,
2019, para. 2). Based on the findings of the government study and ethical deliberations, one can make the case that the ethicality of selling and donating human organs lies in its capacity to alleviate the substantial demand for organ procedures. Consequently, there is a possibility of reducing the fatalities linked to the waiting list for organ transplants. Giving organs during one's
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lifetime entails potential health hazards in the short and long term, including issues with organ performance and psychological challenges (Living-donor transplant, 2022).
Despite the situation and general acknowledgment of organ donation as a global priority, the demand for organs outstrips the supply in virtually every country in the world (Krupic, F. et al. 2019). To tackle the global organ shortage, it is crucially important to explore alternative solutions. Firstly, raising awareness about organ donation and dispelling myths can encourage more people to become donors. Additionally, improving organ preservation techniques and expanding transplant programs can optimize the utilization of available organs. Investing in research for regenerative medicine and bioengineering could potentially create lab-grown organs,
reducing the reliance on traditional organs.
Ethical and Religious Principles
Some religions are against organ transplantation, whether it is lab-grown organs or traditional organs. Some religions, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and branches of Islam, are against organ transplantation due to their beliefs about the sanctity of the human body. They believe that the body is a sacred vessel and that any alteration or removal of organs goes against the natural order of things. Additionally, some religions may also view organ donation as a form of desecration or disrespect towards the deceased, as the body is seen as a whole and should remain intact after death. Some argue that organ transplantation interferes with the concept of an afterlife, as the body must be whole for the soul to enter the next life. These beliefs and values play a significant role in why some religions are against organ transplantation. Organ donation is a critical and life-saving act that involves the donation of one’s organs or tissues to another person in need. It is a selfless act that can greatly impact someone’s life. However, with such a sensitive and complex process, certain ethical and moral principles must be followed. One of the
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key principles is informed consent, which means that the donor must fully understand the implications and risks of the donation and give their voluntary consent. Respect for autonomy is also crucial, as the donor’s wishes and beliefs must be respected throughout the process. Another
important principle is non-maleficence, which means that the donation process should not cause harm to the donor or their family. Finally, fairness and justice must be upheld in the allocation of
donated organs, ensuring that those in need have equal access to them regardless of their social or economic status. These principles are essential to maintain the ethical and moral integrity of organ donation and ensure the well-being of all involved.
Conclusion
Ethical principles must be upheld in the discussion of transplant procedures and the selling of human organs to ensure the well-being and human organs to ensure the well-being and dignity of all individuals involved. The selling of organs remains a deeply controversial and complex issue. While some argue that a regulated organ market could address the shortage of organs and save lives, others raise ethical concerns about com modifying human body parts. Striking the right balance between ensuring equitable access to organs and safeguarding human dignity is a formidable challenge. Ultimately, any solution must prioritize transparency, informed
consent, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. It is crucial to engage in open dialogue and consider a range of perspectives. The act of donating and selling organs is considered ethical as it
seeks to provide to support to individuals and society at large. Organ donation adheres to ethical standards by aiming to reduce the population of patients awaiting organ surgery, consequently lowering the mortality rate among those on the transplant list who have been waiting for an extended duration before receiving the necessary procedures. In conclusion, the sale and
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donation of organs have resulted in mitigating the mortality rate and prevalence of organ-related ailments, which ultimately process advantageous for the entire society.
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References
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Organ Donation and Transplantation. 100 Years of Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11750-organ-donation-and-
transplantation
Ethics. (2012). Retrieved December 3, 2023 https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ethics
Facts and Myths about Transplant. (2019, March 21). Retrieved December 1, 2023, from
https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/about-transplant/facts-and-myths/
Kappel, D. F. (2015). Organ Donation in the United States-2014. Journal of Legal Medicine, 36(1), 7-16.
https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01947648.2015.1047299
Krupic, F., Westin, O., Hagelberg, M., Skoldenberg, O. & Samuelsson, K. (2019). The influence of age, gender and religion on willingness to be an organ donor. Experience of religious Muslims living in Sweden. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(3), 847-859. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0670-7
Living-donor transplant. (2021). Mayoclinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/living-donor-transplant/about/pac-
20384787