Legalizing Organs Essay Example
Legalizing Organs Essay Example

Legalizing Organs Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (565 words)
  • Published: August 25, 2021
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Currently, there are more than 73,000 people who require organ transplants. Sadly, 4,000 of them die annually as life-saving organs are not accessible. Additionally, legalizing organs can result in the exploitation of this system by black market participants. Considering the uncertain and potentially harmful outcomes associated with the black market, it is crucial to continue its prohibition.

A study conducted in India suggests that selling organs should stay illegal because of the high risks involved, which can cause an 87% decline in health. Advocates for compensating kidney donors argue that the kidney is not just a "spare organ" (Spencer-Hughes). However, it's crucial to recognize the potential long-term negative effects that may occur years after undergoing such a procedure.

Possible side effects of selling a kidney include chronic pain, depression, suicide, self-hatred, distorted body image, anger, regret, and isolation, according to Spencer-Hughes. In

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addition, sellers often experience negative economic, physical, and potential mental consequences in the year following the transaction. Many sellers are uneducated and impoverished individuals who were previously engaged in manual labor jobs or earning minimum wage. Consequently, they struggle to regain their physical abilities and movement capabilities. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, kidney sellers even describe the kidney removal process as "the day of my death," highlighting the significant impact on their economic, psychological, and social well-being, as emphasized by Spencer-Hughes.

Selling organs poses significant risks and harm for both the donor and recipient. Donating organs involves a major surgery that can have various negative effects. Potential risks include bleeding, infections, blood clots, allergic reactions, and damage to nearby tissue (United Network for Organ Sharing). Despite being administered anesthesia during the procedure, the recovery process is

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often incredibly painful.

The level of pain and scarring after organ surgery varies depending on the specific procedure. The recovery period can last up to two months, during which activities involving lifting objects over ten pounds and any exercise except walking should be avoided (Mayo Clinic). It is crucial to recognize that donating a kidney, despite its potential life-saving impact, comes with its own risks.

In impoverished areas of Manila, asking someone to donate a kidney has become almost mandatory for the sake of one's family finances. However, this request is seen as an opportunity by individuals who view these people only as human piggy banks (Spencer-Hughes). In Iran and the Philippines, unregulated "matchmakers" are relied upon to connect willing kidney donors with those in need. Tragically, these matchmakers take advantage of their victims (Spencer-Hughes). Ultimately, the issue lies not in money but rather in the lack of awareness among both the willing donors and those involved in illegal organ trafficking (Spencer-Hughes). The sale of organs presents numerous risks and dangers that cannot be disregarded.

In developing countries, discussing the potential downsides of organ donation may not be openly done. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to educate themselves about both the benefits and disadvantages. Organ donation should not be seen as a simple routine procedure but rather as a surgical operation that requires a lengthy recovery period.

Many people are unaware of the possible risks involved in organ donation, such as dealing with unqualified practitioners or illegal markets. Instead of solely focusing on financial concerns, it is important to consider the well-being of those involved.

Thus, careful consideration and extensive research should precede any decision to sell one's

organs in order to fully understand the associated risks.

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