The shortage of organs available for transplants and the increase of kidney failure has created an epidemic of patients on dialysis who await a donor. As the current program of unpaid voluntary donors in North America is not adequate, many urge that compensation for organ donation could be a legitimate solution. The demand for a realistic resolution in organ transactions raises concerns on the breach of human integrity. This paper will explore the ethical dilemma of selling organs as commodities as morally acceptable and the possible justification by the benefits received for both the donor and recipient.
The increasing rate of renal failure and the insufficient organ transplant services has caused an escalating desire in an alternative solution. In 2013 over 150 Canadians died and an astonishing 4000 patients were wait-listed for a kidney transfer, consisting of 80 percent of all organ transplants. (Kishore, 417) With the obesity rate escalating, renal failure and diabetes have become prominent diagnoses. A proposed solution is the monetary compensation for donors to increase the supply of kidneys available. Saving the life of the recipient and the material compensations given to the donor has already gained interest and allowed organ …show more content…
The distinction between unpaid voluntary organ donation and compensating those who donate is their difference in intentions. Donors who do not seek payment act in an altruistic manner and therefore can justify the breach of human dignity. (Jensen, 217) A donor who is forced to donate to provide for themselves or their family is simply breaching their human dignity because they are left with no other choice. As a society the growing concern of organ wait lists and black-market sales should prompt our discussion on a sustainable and morally correct solution that is free of
The increasing rate of renal failure and the insufficient organ transplant services has caused an escalating desire in an alternative solution. In 2013 over 150 Canadians died and an astonishing 4000 patients were wait-listed for a kidney transfer, consisting of 80 percent of all organ transplants. (Kishore, 417) With the obesity rate escalating, renal failure and diabetes have become prominent diagnoses. A proposed solution is the monetary compensation for donors to increase the supply of kidneys available. Saving the life of the recipient and the material compensations given to the donor has already gained interest and allowed organ …show more content…
The distinction between unpaid voluntary organ donation and compensating those who donate is their difference in intentions. Donors who do not seek payment act in an altruistic manner and therefore can justify the breach of human dignity. (Jensen, 217) A donor who is forced to donate to provide for themselves or their family is simply breaching their human dignity because they are left with no other choice. As a society the growing concern of organ wait lists and black-market sales should prompt our discussion on a sustainable and morally correct solution that is free of