This paper considers the moral and economic implications of the concept of allocating organs to transplant patients on a market-based approach, contrasting it to the current waiting list approach.
Written in 2002; 2,977 words; 1 sources; APA; $ 87.95
Paper Summary:
This paper argues that there are economically sound justifications for considering some form of free market approach for transplant organs. It is clear that transplant organs are scarce; nature does not freely provide as many organs as transplant patients want. Moreover, from an economic point of view, there certainly is an organ shortage; the going rate for a liver is below the equilibrium or market-clearing price and so more organs are demanded than could possibly be supplied at current price levels. The paper shows that allowing an organ market to better allocate these products to as many needy patients as possible seems like an improvement upon the current system. However, the proper method of organ allocation cannot be determined without considering the ethical implications of a market-based approach. The paper, therefore, first addresses the ethical issues involved in this matter. Following this is an analysis of the economic, political and social aspects of a free market for organs.
From the Paper:
"The current method of allocating transplant organs in the Unites States, under a system administered by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), involves a waiting list. In general, the sickest patients on this list will receive their organs the soonest. However, because the list is so long, most of the patients will die waiting. This situation has led to the advocacy of allowing a free market to develop for allocating transplant organs. The primary objective of this plan is to let supply and demand mechanisms determine who gets organs (and when), as a substitute for the current need-based approach. Throughout this discussion, the central characteristic of a successful alternative allocation method is considered to be a greater number of organs being made available to people in need, compared to the current waiting list approach."
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