Bioethics Principles
The need for organs has increased considerably over the years inflicting immense pressure on the amenities that offer the same. The rising demands have additionally contributed to illegal trafficking among different unethical practices. Due to the rising demands, the debate has been rife on whether to harvest the organs without the understanding of the family or patient attention and as such, this paper will provide my assertions on the same as properly as the ethical issues that can also arise from the opt-out option.
Mandating Organ Transplant
I do not assist the notion that organs should be harvested from sufferers without the family or affected person consent. Even with the immense pressure and need to increase organ donors, it is rather unethical to disrespect patient’s rights. In medical ethics, patient autonomy is mandatory. Also, in this democratic society, people have the right to decide how they should be treated after death. Instead of forcefully harvesting the organs, the institutions should focus more on educating the communities about the benefits of donating them. Forceful harvesting may also result in the rise of illegal practices like trafficking, especially since the organs are exchanged for money. On the other hand, it contravenes some religious beliefs like afterlife; hence, may not be suitable to other cultures.
The Opt-out System
An opt-out system is a good idea since the victims make their independent decision. Considering all deaths to be potential organ donors is a mechanism that increases the numbers, since some people may decide to donate in their death beds. However, the system may be complicated due to the cultural differences. Perhaps, the dying person was not willing to donate but did not state the same while still alive, and therefore, harvesting the organ contravenes his/her unstated wishes. Furthermore, religious beliefs make it even hard for some individuals to accept the procedure. For an atheist, the program would not be wrong because they view their body as spare parts. Nonetheless, a Christian who believes in the afterlife may perceive it as morally wrong. As such, contravening the religious beliefs is one of the potential ethical issues that may arise due to the opt-out program.
In conclusion, though the opt-out system increases the number of organs that can be donated, it increases ethical concerns, particularly involving religious beliefs. Also, a person who may not wish to donate an organ may be forced to do the same without his/her cognizance if he/she does not opt-out while still alive. What makes the system a good idea is the fact that patients have the liberty to make a personal choice. People can decide while still alive whether they want to donate their organs or not.
Works Cited
Buggin, Elisabeth. "The potential impact of an opt out system for organ donation in the UK." (2008): 1-40 <http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/to2020/resources/ThepotentialimpactofanoptoutsystemfororgandonationintheUK.pdf>.
Academic levels
Skills
Paper formats
Urgency types
Assignment types
Prices that are easy on your wallet
Our experts are ready to do an excellent job starting at $14.99 per page
We at GrabMyEssay.com
work according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which means you have the control over your personal data. All payment transactions go through a secure online payment system, thus your Billing information is not stored, saved or available to the Company in any way. Additionally, we guarantee confidentiality and anonymity all throughout your cooperation with our Company.