Kidney Sale Legalization Essays - Commerce, Organ Trade,

Question: There are many patients with renal/kidney disease waiting for kidney transplant. In Iran, the sale of kidneys has been legalized. On the other hand, critics say that the practice is immoral, the donor are poor people who are being exploited. Also consider the effect of black market activities on organ sale. Do you agree with the legalization of sale of kidneys? Why? Purpose This paper examines the controversial issue of legalizing kidney sale for the purpose of transplant. It looks at the pros and cons from the perspective of organ donors and receivers, as well as regulatory, ethical, and economic considerations. It will give a conclusion and recommendation at the end. Background In many countries, the number of patients with renal disease waiting for a kidney transplant is increasing. But there is a widespread and serious shortage of kidneys for transplantation, a shortage that can lead to suffering and death. One approach to tackling the shortage is for a patient with renal disease to buy a kidney from a living donor, who is often in a developing country, a sale that could ? in theory at least ? help to lift the donor out of poverty. Such kidney sales are almost universally illegal. Proponents of kidney sales argue that since the practice is widespread, it would be safer to formally regulate it, and that society should respect people?s autonomous control over their bodies. Critics express concern about the potential for exploitation and coercion of the poor, and about the psychological and physical after-effects on the donors of this illegal kidney trade. Arguments for Legalization Healthy individuals in poor countries should be allowed the freedom and autonomy to choose selling their organ for financial incentive. They are faced with the tough choice of starving for themselves and their families versus selling their organs. As long as the sale is voluntary and not coerced, there is no reason we should deny them of this freedom to make choices for themselves. The money received from the sale of kidney can potentially lift them out of poverty or at least give them a better life. Patients with renal disease who have been relying on dialysis for years benefit because with a kidney transplant, their illness can be cured once and for all. They do not need to rely on dialysis, which is not a real solution to their health problem. For those who are willing and able to pay, it offers the hope of life for them. It is a pity that many renal patients die waiting for the kidney transplant that never happens because there is no matching kidney for them. By allowing legal sale of kidneys, the waiting list for kidney transplant can be completely eliminated. Black market activities will decrease after the sale of kidney for transplant purpose is legalized. Currently, Iran is the only country that has legalized kidney sale. In almost all parts of the world, the organ trade for kidney is handled by dealers who exploit the poor donors and charges outrageous high prices from the receivers. We can reduce if not eliminate such activities if we allow kidneys to be traded legally. Currently some doctors who perform kidney transplant operation are involved in the questionable act of getting kidneys from questionable sources. The reputation of the doctors and the related hospitals will be damaged, and other illegal activities such as bribery may occur. Why not having the sale officially regulated? If there is a legal source to get the organs, we will eliminate questionable activities at the hospitals. Donors are also better protected. If the trade is illegal, some dealers or ?matchmakers? may remove kidneys by force or without consent of the donor. Chances are that the operation is performed in substandard environment, which can create other medical problems for the donors. Arguments Against Legalization First and foremost, legalizing kidney sale violates the dignity of the person and is viewed as immoral or unethical. If human organ is treated the same way as meat of animals on a butcher?s table and sold for financial benefits, the idea is both obscene and unacceptable. We need to have basic respect for the human body. It should not be treated like commodities. Hand in hand with the immoral viewpoint is how to