TOPIC - Sale of human organs

Specific purpose To inform that the sale of human organs can be considered as a possible solution to the crippling shortage.

Central idea Thousands upon thousands of patients die each year simply because of an inadequate supply of organs. Patients needing kidneys wait years in hope of donors, all the while undergoing painful and costly dialysis treatment

Points

Should we be allowed to sell our organs?

1. YES : It would boost the supply of organs helping to solve the national shortage It would end the existing black market in organs, making it safer for people to donate It would mean donors were paid like everyone else doctors, nurses, transplant co-ordinators involved in transplantation. It is safe as Advances in surgical and diagnostic techniques have substantially increased the success of organ transplant operations.

The legalization of an organ marketplace would close organ trading black markets, and open the door for broader oversight. Legalisation of the sale of organs will eliminate the corruption that has led to reported executions and thefts of organs.

In an organ marketplace, the greater availability of organs will reduce the pressure on doctors to unethically remove organs from the deceased without consent.

2. NO Encouraging people to sell parts of their bodies is morally wrong and would almost certainly lead to exploitation of the poor. Potential donors would be more likely to conceal conditions or illnesses that might rule them out. It would undermine the existing altruistic donor programme. The expensive price of organs is likely to make the sale of them highly discriminatory. It is believed that a single kidney has a black market price of $20,000. Consequently, the sale of organs will condone the most gross discrimination between rich and poor. The opportunity for individuals and governments to gain considerable capital for organs sold will lead to human rights violations. Chinese judicial officials are reported to execute prisoners on account of the black market value of their body parts. The lawful sale of organs would legitimise human sacrifice

3. Current situation in malaysia :-

- shortage of organs.

Poor and vulnerable people coming under severe pressure to alleviate their financial problems by selling a part of their body to the black market since the need for organ is vital

Legally The National Organ Transplantation Act in 1984 still prohibits the sale of human organs from either dead or living donors

Lots of surgeons and free thinkers believes that a properly regulated market should be permitted so that the black market in organs is, if not destroyed, at least dramatically reduced.

Conclusion The need for organs will only grow and, until the shortage of organs is alleviated, it is certain that thousands will die annually. But the moral issues surrounding the selling of organs promise to remain very much alive. We will have to choose between two sets of moral values: the value we place on preventing death and alleviating suffering, and the value we place on respect for human dignity and our commitment to meeting human needs in a fair and equitable manner.