Legality and Ethical Validity of Organ Sale
Evidently, the demand for human organs by those in need of an organ transplant is higher than the supply. This leaves a considerably high number of patients in complex and life-threatening situations that existing laws could rectify. I strongly disagree with the government’s anti-choice laws for the simple reason that more harm is done than the intended good in sticking with the law on the sale of human organs.
The existing laws are the leading cause of human organ shortages. This has resulted in the deaths of people who otherwise could have been saved by a more efficient process. The law is not always right, so there is a need for an open discussion, mainly because many things have changed, including the moral compass, societal constraints, and advancement in surgical technology. Surgical advancements make it possible for safe donation and transfer of organs from one person to another. Therefore, human organ sale should be allowed with proper assessment and evaluation mechanisms.
Open Market Approach to Organ Donation
The solution lies in embracing an open market system with the approval and facilitation of existing agencies such as the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The task of such an agency could range from carrying out background and psychological tests to confirming the seller’s sanity and viability before proceeding with the organ donation process.
Safeguards for Protecting Organ Sellers
Psychological tests come in handy in determining whether the sellers are making informed decisions. The proceeds from the sale would, however, need to undergo taxation just like other sellable products in the free market. Money from the taxes could be used to run the approval agency and help enforce regulations surrounding the process.
Terminally Ill Patients and Organ Sales
The process would also work on defined principles and ethics in determining the eligibility of the candidates. For instance, a terminally ill patient with healthy organs should be allowed to donate to other people who are bound to benefit more than they are.
Family Welfare as a Justification for Organ Sales
It would not change my mind if the money were going toward saving a life or turning around the situation of the donor’s family. Poverty is one of the most significant social problems facing society and inhibiting people from leading a dignified life. Therefore, it would be suitable for a course if the money from the sale of organs goes towards alleviating the poverty of one or a family. Similarly, it’s acceptable if the proceeds from the sale are used to save the life of another, then it’s in line with the ethical principle of doing the greater good.
Ethical Dilemmas of Creating a Child for Medical Use
However, it would be unethical to have a child for the expressed purpose of harvesting organs, bone marrow, or blood transfusion for the purposes of prolonging or saving the life of another. This would be inhumane and an abuse of human life. Furthermore, children who have not attained the age of majority cannot consent to such matters.
Apart from that, parents or guardians cannot consent to organ donation or selling on behalf of their children. This is due to the severity and delicacy surrounding organ sales. Children are less likely to understand the magnitude of the matter and might not be the direct beneficiaries of these deeds. Organ selling should only be allowed if the giver has attained the age of majority and is willing to do so without external coercion or underlying psychological issues.