Dq1 In The Article Kidney Shortage Inspires A Radical Idea

Dq1 In The Article Kidney Shortage Inspires A Radical Idea Organ S

DQ1: In the article, "Kidney Shortage Inspires A Radical Idea: Organ Sales," Dr. Francis Delmonico believes that even a regulated human organ trade would be exploitative because “it’s the poor person who sells” (Meckler, 2007). Answer the following questions: Do you agree that allowing a poor person to sell an organ is an exploitative practice? Why or why not? What documented examples from real-life organ donors can you provide to help you demonstrate how a regulated human organ trade would (or would not) be exploitative?

If you were writing your definition essay on the term exploitative, how would you define it? Discuss your own understanding of exploitation and its implications in the context of organ sales and human rights. Consider aspects such as power imbalance, economic vulnerability, and informed consent when formulating your definition.

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether allowing impoverished individuals to sell their organs constitutes exploitation is complex and multi-faceted. On one hand, it raises concerns about vulnerable populations being coerced or pressured into selling organs due to economic hardship. On the other hand, some argue that a regulated market could empower impoverished donors to improve their financial circumstances. To evaluate whether such practices are exploitative, it is essential to consider the power dynamics at play, the level of informed consent, and the economic context surrounding organ donation and sales.

Many critics, including Dr. Francis Delmonico, argue that a human organ trade exploits the poor because it commodifies their bodies and commodifies human life. Exploitation, in this context, can be defined as a situation where a person is taken advantage of due to their vulnerable position, often by those who hold more power, resources, or knowledge. A person might be coerced or feel compelled to sell an organ out of economic desperation, which could lead to compromised decision-making and health risks. Documented instances from real-life organ donors often reveal the vulnerabilities faced by impoverished individuals. For example, studies in some developing countries have shown that kidney vendors sometimes experience adverse health outcomes, financial ruin, or social stigmatization after selling their organs (Shimazono, 2012). Such outcomes suggest an imbalance of power and a lack of adequate protection or support, reinforcing the view that the practice can be exploitative.

However, proponents of a regulated organ market argue that if properly monitored and managed, such a system can provide a legal and ethical avenue for individuals who choose to sell their organs freely and knowingly. They contend that exploitation occurs primarily in illegal, unregulated markets, where donors lack information, protections, and fair compensation. In a regulated system, safeguards such as medical screening, psychological evaluation, and legal protections could mitigate exploitation risks (Abadie & Chen, 2010). Documented cases, such as in Iran—a country with a regulated kidney market—show that a government-controlled system can reduce illegal organ trade and provide financial benefits to donors, while maintaining oversight and health standards (Gordon, 2006). These examples suggest that exploitation is not inevitable but depends heavily on the regulatory framework and ethical standards in place.

In my definition, “exploitative” refers to a situation where one party takes unfair advantage of another’s vulnerability or lack of alternatives, often leading to harm or unfair benefit at the expense of the less empowered individual. Exploitation involves an imbalance of power, coercion, or deception, and it undermines the autonomy and dignity of the person being exploited. Applying this to organ sales, exploitation occurs when economic desperation overrides voluntary consent or when the transaction exposes individuals to health risks they cannot fully understand or mitigate.

In conclusion, whether allowing the poor to sell organs constitutes exploitation depends on numerous factors, including the regulatory environment, safeguards in place, and the individual’s capacity to make informed decisions. While the potential for exploitation exists, it can be mitigated through strict regulations, transparent practices, and protections for vulnerable donors. Therefore, the ethical acceptability of organ sales hinges on establishing a fair, safe, and consent-based system rather than outright banning or endorsing unregulated practices.

References

• Abadie, A., & Chen, D. (2010). The Global Market for Human Organs. Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, 33(2), 415-440.
• Gordon, M. (2006). The Iranian model of kidney transplantation. Transplantation Proceedings, 38(10), 3240-3243.
• Meckler, L. (2007). Kidney shortage inspires a radical idea: organ sales. Associated Press.
• Shimazono, Y. (2012). The history of organ transplantation: the past, present and future. The Open Transplant Journal, 6(Suppl 1-M8), 31–37.