What Are The Ethical Benefits Of Organ Commercialization

The issue brought before us today is whether the commercialization of organ transplants is both ethical and beneficial to the economy and populace as a whole. There are many issues which are centered on this decision on which I hope to shed some light and allow for better resolutions to be made. In nearly every country in the world, there is a shortage of kidneys for transplantation. According to Corydon Ireland, in the United States 73,000 people are on waiting lists to receive a kidney. About 4,000 can pass away every year before receive a lifesaving organ. (Corydon Ireland, Harvard News Office. February 14, 2008) Some of the benefits of organ commercialization are increased revenues and jobs, as it would open a whole new arena of business, more widely available organs to those in need, and a wider method by which under-performing citizens can create temporary cash flow. There are many arguments against the allowance of organ commercialization, they include the fact that many consider it unethical to sell body parts, concern over the safety of these procedures, and doubt as to how those who donate will be treated medically post-sale. The final, separate issue which would need to be addressed is how health insurance companies are to handle those who sell organs and any post-op health issues that relate to the sale.

The benefits of organ commercialization can be seen quickly, many patients requiring organ donations spend substantial amounts of money on medical procedures to extend their life till they can receive the organ. By being able to obtain aid from a company who can legally and quickly locate and deliver the required organ, many patients who may not have been able to obtain an organ that quickly can more readily provided...

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... before, and everyone can receive what they need. The limitation on this is strict guidance would be required to make sure people do not prey on those who are truly in need.

Overall I believe that the commercialization of human organs would be a beneficial policy to enact provided that the proper regulation is performed on the industry. Morally I do not find an issue with the idea of people providing required medical organs to those who need them, and being compensated for it. The industry would need to be held to a level of ethics, but provided that all parties involved act ethically, it would be beneficial to all parties. Overall, I feel the pros outweigh the cons, and that we should enact the policies suggested and allow the formation of companies with the sole purpose of buying and selling human organs in an ethical manner in order to better serve those in need.