Argumentative Essay

Author

Institution

Introduction

Issues pertaining to the health of an individual have always attracted controversy thanks to the varied opinions as to exactly how far people should go to safeguard it. One of the most controversial issues that touch on health revolves around the legalization of the sale of organs. As much as it is perfectly legal or allowed for people to donate organs such as kidneys, parts of liver and other parts of the body, there has been controversy as to whether the compensation of donors should be legalized. In the United States, compensation of an individual for donating parts of his or her body is prohibited by the 1984 National Organ Transplantation Act. Unfortunately, the enactment of this law had implications on the mortality rates of individuals who needed transplants. Statistics show that every year, there is a little more than 13,000 kidneys donated either by deceased or living donors. This is a far cry from the more than 80,000 people who are in need of kidney transplants. In 2008, almost 5000 people died while waiting for an appropriate donor. In the year 2011, a total of 16,517 people were recipients of kidney transplants while 4,530 succumbed before they could have the transplant. 1,600 people out of the individuals who succumbed were too sick to withstand a transplant. This triggers the question as to whether compensation of donors should be sanctioned, at least to increase the number of people offering to donate organs. What are the upside and the downside of the legalization?

Thesis statement: Legalization of organ donation should be allowed as it has more benefits than harm.

The legalization of organ donation comes with quite a number of advantages. One of the most conspicuous advantages is the increased ability of the healthcare sector to save lives. As stated earlier, quite a large number of people have been waiting for individuals with the same blood type as theirs to donate organs to them. Research shows that individuals of African origin are more predisposed to having kidney failure than other races. However, Asians have a higher prevalence of kidney failure cases than other races. Unfortunately, most of them end up dying as they wait for a kidney donor that would be compatible with their bodies, which usually does not happen in time. In the United Kingdom, approximately 400 people die thanks to unavailability of organ donors. Ironically, about 13 people are more than willing to donate such organs and have even signed up the register. Obviously, chances are high that most of these people could be saved, if only the sale of organs was to be legalized. It goes without saying that, the legalization of compensation of donors for organ donation would enhance the number of people willing to donate at a fee, thereby helping save lives. On the same note, it is noteworthy that the lives of the donors would be saved. Quite a large number of people donate their organs in unsafe environments of the thriving organ black market. The legalization of organ donation for compensation would encourage people to donate organs in clean and safe environments, where qualified individuals would be ensuring that the donor is healthy enough to make the donation.

In addition, legalization of the sale of organs would ensure that the donors are compensated just like everyone else that participates in the transplantation process. It is worth noting that transplant coordinators, nurses, as well as doctors, are always compensated for carrying out the transplantation, whether successful or not. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the donors. In cases where they donate through legal means, they are never compensated. In addition, they are always shortchanged in cases where they donate through the black market. In essence, the legalization of organ donation for compensation would ensure that all parties, including the donor gets their rightful share or are rightfully compensated for the part they play in saving a life. On the same note, this would be one of the most effective ways of eliminating the booming but dangerous black market. Researchers state that the trade still continues anyway even though it is illegal. Legalization of the trade would safeguard the controlling of the trade in such a manner that in case an individual wants to donate an organ at a certain price, it would be acceptable. It would be done safely thereby reducing the possibility of suffering of the donor. In fact, bringing the trade out in the open comes as the most appropriate or the perfect way of ensuring that the trade is appropriately carried out. Since the stakes are always high, social pressure and market forces would ensure that people are not defrauded or intimidated. Enabling a process, through which consenting individuals engage in open trade or transactions, would prevent the exploitation or abuse of innocent citizens and underhand dealings by individuals seeking to skirt around the law. It goes without saying that many people go to the black market simply because they are compensated for their troubles. In essence, paying the donors would ensure the elimination of the black market and ensure that the donation and transplantation is done in the appropriate environment.

In my opinion, every person has the capacity and the right to determine exactly what to do with his or her body. Of course, there are regulations that state that an individual should not engage in consumption of illegal drugs simply because such substances would destroy his or her body. This, however, is not the same as organ donation. Organ donation can be done without any significant or lasting damage on an individual’s health. In addition, it would be extremely unlikely for an individual to choose certain death just for cash, irrespective of how impoverished he or she might be. Similarly, the next of kin of deceased people should have a way of receiving financial compensation for any donations he made.

However, there exists some individuals who opine that the legalization of sale of organs would increase the likelihood that potential donors conceal illnesses or conditions that may rule them out in their quest for financial gain. Nevertheless, this would be unlikely to happen especially considering that the healthcare sector has increased technological advancement. In this case, healthcare professionals would have the capacity to determine or evaluate whether an individual is safe to donate an organ or not.

In conclusion, organ donation for compensation has been one of the most contentious issues in the healthcare sector. Unfortunately, quite a number of people need to undergo a transplant of varied organs, but end up dying before they can have an appropriate donor. This may, however, be mitigated by legalizing the donation of organs for compensation. Legalization would allow for saving the lives of both the recipient, as well as the donor. The donation process would be done in a clean and safe environment, thereby minimizing the dangers. In addition, it would allow for compensation of donors, just like other people involved in the trade. This would also allow for the elimination of the black market, which thrives for compensating donors.