In this essay the current issue of sale of organs is placed under a microscope. First the existing problematic of an organ shortage in the UK is evaluated based on actual data. In addition already existing national and European regulations regarding to the sale of organs are demonstrated. The obvious requirement of an urgent action to increase the organ supply leads to the question of a suitable problem solution.
The theory of successful regulations are analysed and applied to the creation of a regulated living- donor transplant market in organs as a possible solution to increase the number of organs available. This includes especially a balance of possible risks and benefits while standard-setting, finding a way to motivate individuals to increase the organ supply as a means of behaviour modification as well as establishing an appropriate mechanism of information-gathering.
At least the already existing legal organ trade market of Iran is illustrated. Advantages and disadvantages of this
market are demonstrated. It is also shown which of the regulating mechanism seem to be useful or alternatively devious to apply to other countries, such as the UK.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Organ Shortage
a) Explanation/data
b) Existing regulations
III. Solution
a) Formal Market in organs
aa) Theory of a good regulatory regime
bb) Applying theory in practice
d) Existing example (Iran)
IV. Conclusion
Research Objective and Key Topics
This coursework investigates whether the creation of a formal, regulated market for human organs could serve as an effective and ethically defensible solution to the persistent organ shortage in the United Kingdom, by weighing potential regulatory benefits against moral and medical risks.
- Evaluation of current organ shortage data and existing UK/European legal frameworks.
- Application of "better regulation principles" to design a potential transplant market.
- Analysis of the ethical debates surrounding altruism, commodification, and financial incentives.
- Examination of the Iranian living-donor transplant model and its applicability to the UK.
- Development of risk-mitigation strategies, such as cooling-off periods and oversight mechanisms.
Excerpt from the Work
II. Organ Shortage
“With a few exceptions, no country has sufficient organ supply to satisfy its citizens´ needs. Thus a scarcity of human organs now exists.”
In the following it is determined whether the United Kingdom is such an exception or whether there is an organ shortage as in most countries in the world and if so, the scope of it.
The figure 2.1 shows 10% increase of transplants in 2013-2014. Despite the increases in the number of people benefiting from a transplant, around three people die each day across the UK due to a shortage of organs. Therefore it can be said that 2013/14 was a record year for organ donation and transplantation in the UK, but nevertheless figure 2.1 states distinctly the gap between the number of donors/transplantations and the number of patients on the active transplant list. There are around 7000 people currently waiting for an organ transplant. It has to be mentioned here that this number is changing constantly due to the fact that people join and leave the transplant waiting list.
Therefore the Uk is not an exception of the statement because an organ shortage is obviously exists.
Chapter Summary
I. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the research, which examines the feasibility of a regulated organ market in the UK to combat severe shortages.
II. Organ Shortage: Analyzes statistical data confirming the UK's organ deficit and details the current legal and regulatory landscape governing human tissue.
III. Solution: Proposes a regulated market structure based on regulatory theory, evaluates ethical challenges, and reviews the Iranian living-donor system as a case study.
IV. Conclusion: Summarizes that while a formal market could theoretically address the supply gap, it presents significant regulatory hurdles and risks that necessitate careful consideration of alternative models like opt-out systems.
Keywords
Organ shortage, UK transplant policy, Human Tissue Act 2004, regulated market, living donors, altruism, bioethics, medical regulation, transplant tourism, organ trafficking, financial incentives, health policy, regulatory theory, opt-out system, Iran transplant model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of this research paper?
The paper aims to evaluate whether establishing a regulated, formal market for human organs is a viable and ethical method to resolve the chronic organ shortage currently facing the United Kingdom.
What are the central thematic areas covered in the analysis?
The research covers the current statistical extent of organ shortages, existing legal frameworks in the UK and Europe, regulatory theory, the ethics of altruism versus financial incentives, and an analysis of the existing Iranian transplant system.
What research methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis based on the application of "better regulation principles" to the context of organ transplantation, combined with a comparative review of existing international models.
What does the main body of the text discuss?
It discusses the practical and ethical challenges of legalizing organ sales, including the risk of discrimination, the importance of maintaining medical standards, and the psychological impact of commodifying body parts.
How is the organ shortage in the UK characterized?
The paper characterizes the shortage as a severe, persistent issue where demand for transplants significantly outweighs the available supply, resulting in deaths of those on the waiting list despite record donation years.
Which key concept is frequently contrasted with paid organ donation?
Altruism is the core concept contrasted with paid donation, as it is historically considered the only ethical basis for organ procurement in the UK.
Why is the Iranian transplant system analyzed in the paper?
The Iranian system is used as an existing case study of a compensated, regulated living-donor model to see if its results (eliminating the kidney waiting list) can be applied to the UK context.
What are the "better regulation principles" mentioned?
These principles include ensuring that regulations are proportional, justified, consistent, transparent, and targeted at solving specific problems while minimizing side effects.
Does the author conclude that a formal market is the perfect solution?
No, the author concludes that while a market could help, it is not a perfect system and suggests that less radical approaches, such as an opt-out system, should also be considered.
What mechanism is proposed to prevent impulsive organ sales?
The author proposes the introduction of a "cooling-off period" after potential donors receive full information, allowing them time to reconsider their decision before proceeding with the surgery.
- Quote paper
- Nana Schwind (Author), 2015, The current issue of sale of organs, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/478239
