PHIL 434 Week 6 Scenario and Reflection Essay Template
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West Coast University, Ontario *
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434
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Philosophy
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Jan 9, 2024
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Week 6 Scenario and Reflection Essay
Breanna Olivares
West Coast University
PHIL 434: Medical Ethics and Issues
Professor Crook
December 9, 2023
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Week 6 Scenario and Reflection Essay
Transplant tourism, also known as organ trafficking, refers to the global phenomenon where individuals travel across borders to obtain organ transplants, often driven by a scarcity of available organs in their home countries or a desire for quicker access to transplantation services.
While the concept of seeking medical treatment abroad is not new, transplant tourism specifically focuses on the ethical and legal complexities surrounding the trade of organs and the potential exploitation of vulnerable donors. This practice raises significant moral and legal concerns, as it often involves the commodification of human organs, the exploitation of impoverished donors, and the circumvention of established healthcare regulations. This introduction explores the multifaceted dimensions of transplant tourism, shedding light on the ethical dilemmas and global challenges it presents within the realm of organ transplantation.
Advocates of transplant tourism argue that it serves as a lifeline for individuals facing critical health conditions in regions with limited access to organ transplants. Proponents contend that the practice enables patients to overcome prolonged waiting times and scarcity of available organs, potentially saving lives that might otherwise be lost due to the lack of timely medical intervention. They emphasize the right of individuals to seek the best available medical care, even if it means traveling to other countries for organ transplantation. From this perspective, transplant tourism is seen as a pragmatic solution to address the disparities in healthcare access, providing patients with an opportunity to secure vital organ transplants and improve their chances of survival, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Advocates also argue that the economic aspects of transplant tourism can contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare infrastructure in destination countries, fostering international collaboration and exchange of medical expertise.
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The response I chose from the scenario is: “We can, and should, proceed with caution in the international arena. Transplant tourism is not necessarily a problem. Room for improvement exists where regulations are concerned, but in most cases, this is just an example of the way a world economy function. Developing countries take advantage of industries with needs that they can address at a lower cost than their competitors. That's a practical reality, even if it's an uncomfortable one. If the organs come from ethical sources, it isn't a problem. Even if there is a problem, we don't want to dip our feet too far into international waters” (N. Tosh). Dr. Reynold’s
mentioned that there are reputable transplants that are preformed internationally under government regulations that ensure both patient safety and ethical procurement of organs (Dr. Reynolds slide 6). One thing that should be considered is the whole international aspect, because that opens a different book. A country cannot just go and put rules onto another country just to keep their own people from going to get help elsewhere. Dr. Reynolds mentioned that if a “public statement, two problems need to be considered: one, we are a group if comprised of medical professionals, so we are inherently biased, and the opposition will point that ours. Two we must remain sensitive to the complex cultural dynamics of countries that may not share our ethical framework” ( Dr. Reynolds slide 5). Dr. O’Connor made a point earlier in the debate Transplant Tourism is a bad idea especially because complications such as early organ rejection or even infection can occur, which ties into Dr. Reynolds point about the two problems that doctors would be seen as biased because of their profession because they have seen the studies like the one Dr. O’Connor mentioned with UCLA and how the 33 patients had problems (Dr. O’Connor slide 6). Embracing virtue ethics in the context of transplant tourism underscores the compassionate and altruistic aspects of supporting individuals in their quest for life-saving organ transplants. From a virtuous standpoint, advocating for transplant tourism aligns with the
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principles of beneficence and compassion, as it seeks to alleviate the suffering of those facing critical health conditions by providing them with expedited access to organ transplant. Virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of virtues such as empathy, kindness, and the promotion of human flourishing ( Pence 2021). In supporting transplant tourism, one may argue that it reflects a virtuous commitment to prioritize the well-being and survival of individuals, geographical constraints and recognizing the universal human right to access the best possible healthcare. Furthermore, the act of facilitating organ transplants across the world can be viewed as an expression of solidarity, fostering a sense of connection that resonates with the virtues of empathy and benevolence.
In conclusion, the concept of transplant tourism presents a complex and multifaceted dilemma, evoking ethical, legal, and moral considerations. While critics criticize the potential exploitation of vulnerable donors, commodification of organs, and the circumvention of established healthcare regulations, advocates highlight its role as a lifeline for individuals in dire need of organ transplants, especially in regions plagued by scarcity and prolonged waiting times. The debate surrounding transplant tourism underscores the broader ethical challenges within the realm of organ transplant and global healthcare access. Striking a balance between the virtues of compassion and justice, and navigating the complicated web of moral responsibilities, is essential for addressing the ethical concerns associated with this practice.
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References
Pence, G. (2021). Medical ethics: Accounts of ground-breaking cases
(9th ed.). McGraw Hill Education.
Tosh, N. (n.d.-a). Annual ethics symposium: Evolving ethics: Debating transplant tourism
[Video]. Canvas@WCU. https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu/
Tosh, N. (n.d.-b). Week 6: Organ donation and transplantation - presentation
[Video]. Canvas@WCU. https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu/