Organ Sales Legalization Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does John Stuart Mill suggest is crucial in evaluating a society?

The worth of individuals (correct)

Technological advancement

Economic stability

Legal regulations

Legalizing the selling of human organs aligns with the principle of individual autonomy.

True

What are the two main values highlighted in the argument for legalizing organ sales?

Human Life and Autonomy

According to the argument, utility is defined as the principle of achieving the greatest good for the __________ number.

greatest Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Selling = The exchange of goods or services for money Human organs = Biological tissues essential for sustaining life Legalized = Permitted by law and regulated Utility = Achieving the greatest good for the greatest number Signup and view all the answers

What is a major issue highlighted in the context of organ transplantation?

Thousands die waiting for organ donations Signup and view all the answers

The current organ donation system relies solely on altruism.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym WHO stand for in the context of organ failure statistics?

World Health Organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of legalizing kidney sales, according to the content?

It effectively eliminates the kidney transplant waiting list. Signup and view all the answers

The current prohibition of organ sales does not lead to exploitation in black markets.

False Signup and view all the answers

What principle established by philosopher Immanuel Kant supports the legalization of organ sales?

Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

A regulated system would provide transparency, ______ standards, and fair compensation for organ donors.

safety Signup and view all the answers

Match the following impacts of legalizing organ sales with their descriptions:

Saves lives = Increases organ availability Respects autonomy = Empowers personal choice Eliminates black markets = Prevents exploitation Reduces economic inequality = Provides fair compensation to donors Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of global organ transplants occur illegally, according to the World Health Organization?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Compensating kidney donors could potentially add billions of dollars to the healthcare system.

True Signup and view all the answers

What might a financially struggling person choose to do according to the argument for legalizing organ sales?

Sell a kidney Signup and view all the answers

Legalizing organ sales aims to empower individuals by respecting their ______ to make life-saving decisions.

freedom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason given for legalizing organ sales?

Increasing hospital profits Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organ Sales Legalization: Argument Overview

Core Argument: Legalizing the sale of human organs is ethically sound, as it prioritizes human life and autonomy, addressing the shortage of organs and the exploitation in black markets.

Value Framework

Value 1: Human Life: Preservation of human life is paramount.
Value 2: Individual Autonomy: Individuals have the right to decide what happens to their body.
Criterion: Utility—maximizing good for the greatest number of people.

Contentions for Legalization

Contention 1: Saving Lives:
- Evidence: Millions die annually due to organ failure. The current system, relying solely on altruism, is insufficient. Iran, with regulated organ sales, has eliminated its kidney transplant waitlist.
- Impact: Preventing preventable deaths; reducing suffering; mitigating the costs and risks of dialysis.
Contention 2: Respecting Autonomy:
- Evidence: Immanuel Kant's philosophy emphasizes individual autonomy. Surveys show people willing to sell organs with legal and fair compensation.
- Impact: Allowing individuals to make choices about their bodies, economically and otherwise, potentially leading to life-saving choices. Example: A financially struggling person could potentially save a life and support their family.
Contention 3: Eliminating Black Markets:
- Evidence: The current illegal market creates dangerous and exploitative conditions. WHO estimates 10% of global transplants are illegal.
- Impact: A legal market ensures safety, fair compensation, and ethical practices for all parties. Provides transparency and medical oversight.
Contention 4: Reducing Economic Inequality:
- Evidence: Organ donation can provide financial relief to low-income individuals, and reduced dialysis costs for society through better organ availability.
- Impact: Creating a win-win situation; enabling donors to benefit financially while saving lives. Reduces the burden on the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Summary: The argument advocates for legalization based on the combined values of human life, individual autonomy, and a focus on achieving the greater good through utility.

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Description

Explore the ethical arguments surrounding the legalization of organ sales, focusing on how it can save lives while respecting individual autonomy. This quiz discusses the core values of human life and individual rights, along with the positive impacts observed in regulated systems like Iran.