Organ Transplant
Organ transplant procedures are used to replace missing organs or organs that may be in acute or total failure. The main issue with organ transplants arises when we think of whom we get these organs from, and who will receive the organs. In the medical world, we must choose who receives the organ over another person. This becomes highly difficult because we are theoretically saying that one person’s life is worth more than the next which is why they can get a new set of lungs but not their neighbor.
Does a person in need of an organ transplant have a moral right to obtain that transplant, supposing the availability of the needed organ?
How should we choose who gets a transplant, supposing that there are not enough organs for all who need them?
Sample Solution
Organ Transplant
Every day about 22 people in the United States die waiting for organ transplants (The Hastings Center). The deaths are especially tragic since many might be prevented if more organs were available. The core ethical norm of the medical profession is the principle, “Do no harm.” The only way that removing an organ from someone seems morally defensible is if the donor chooses to undergo the harm of surgery solely to help another, and if there is sufficient medical benefit top the recipient. When an organ donor becomes available, all the patients in the pool are compared to that donor. Factors such as medical urgency, time spent on the waiting list, organ size, blood type and genetic makeup are considered. The organ is offered first to the candidate that is the best match.
