Introduction
Increased cases of organ donation and transplantation have been witnessed in the last few decades. This has been due to upsurge in chronic and debilitating conditions that affect the body organs. Organ donation is generally referred to as the removal of some organs in the human body with the aim of saving another person’s life. The organs are either donated by dying persons or a living donor who opt to give one of his/her kidney. Surgery is the main medical procedure used in the extraction of the organs. Organ donations are made voluntarily thereby making the governments put in place legislations to regulate the management of the organs. The innovation of organ donation has resulted in bioethical issues particularly in the period after 1970. The ethical debate is overly dependent on deontological and teleological perspectives. The essay will look into the importance of organ donations, the positive and negative implications and the organ black market (Brezina, 2009, P.1-46).
Benefits
The first organ donation was done on Ronald and the kidney was used to save the life of his twin brother in the year 1954. This was a milestone in the field of medicine since previous attempts to transplant donated organs were futile hence resulting in the loss of lives. Since then, more than 500,000 donations have taken place world wide (Scheve, 2008).
The importance of organ donation cannot be overemphasized in the medical field and society considering the number of lives that have been saved since the first successful transplantation occurred. According to Scheve (2008), donation of healthy organs offers better and increased survival chances in comparison to other treatment options such as dialysis in kidney treatment. Dialysis is known to have severe side effects that may result in cardiovascular diseases in individuals due to the inadequacy of antioxidants in the circulatory system. The healthy organs help improve the body functions of the recipients especially in the case of kidney transplants. This has been bolstered by the scientific advancements in organ transplantation that has seen a massive reduction in the rejection of organs.
It is worth noting that organ donation has helped in the advancement of scientific knowledge while at the same time leading to the betterment of humanity. Another importance is that it has enhanced the extension of compassion by the religious groups to the sick and their families. The Christians and the Jews are united with the Hindus and Muslims in supporting the medical procedure since it helps in sustaining human life. The disparities in the demand and availability of organs for transplantations are addressed since the number of sick people in the waiting list is greatly reduced. Donation also offers the cost effectiveness since it removes the need for expensive treatment procedures that are long term. It also offers satisfaction to the donor while enhancing the coping capabilities of the grieved family (Joseph, 2008, para. 1-8).
Risks
However, there are several risks associated with the donation of organs considering the disparity in demand and availability. The development of complications after the donation has been recorded in several donors and patients in the United States and Europe. Although the complications are not severe, they are believed to impact on the health and functioning of the donor.
Another risk involves enrolment into health insurance schemes (Cosgrove-Mather, 2003, para 1-14). There is an increasing tendency for donors being denied insurance cover. The providers presuppose the donors are more likely to suffer long term complications owing to the donation. This is supported by medical evidence that denotes lung failure, kidney failure and heart problems as main side effects in donors. Moreover, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety ensue and may result in lowering of immunity thereby predisposing the donor to other diseases (Brezina, 2009, p.12-34).
Organ black market
There has been an increasing demand for organs which outstrips the supply. This is believed to have opened a new criminal wave that involves organ theft and kidnapping in order to extract organs from healthy individuals. In the recent past, organ black market has become a lucrative business owing to the high demand of organs by wealthy individuals who suffer from chronic debilitating conditions (Scheve, 2008). This has led to the upsurge of criminal cases and unethical dealings involving medical practitioners. Many people have disappeared only to be found dead, with vital organs missing from their bodies. Ethical issues involving the acceleration of death in patients in order to remove organs have been recorded in several hospitals in the world. The organ black market is worth billions of dollars. Many governments have enacted laws to counter this crime thereby safeguarding the sanctity of humanity. The donors are also protected from physical and financial exploitation particularly in the poverty ravaged parts of Asia and Africa (Scheve, 2008).
Conclusion
Organ donation is a very noble initiative that enhances the survival and functioning of the recipients. Despite this, it may have severe complications on both the donor and the recipient. The organ black market should be discouraged since it causes physical and financial exploitation to the donors and their families.
Reference list
Brezina.(2009). Organ Donation: Risks, Rewards and Research. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.
Cosgrove-Mather, B. (2003). The Dark Side of Organ Donation. Web.
Joseph, C. (2008). What Are the Benefits of Organ Donation? Web.
Scheve, Tom. 2008. How Organ Donation Works. Web.