Transplantation is a surgical way in which a group of cells, tissue, or organ/organs are extracted from one person called a donor and transplanted into another person (recipient). Today, organ transplantation has revolutionized medical treatment by offering hope to individuals suffering from organ failure. Munson (2014) points out that approximately 10,000 patients die every year in the United States because an organ donor is not available. Therefore, the demand exceeds the supply available resulting in ethical dilemmas in allocation.As a result, organ conscription policies propose a solution by mandating organ donation from deceased individuals or living donors. In this paper, we’re going to explore moral and ethical considerations surrounding organ conscription policies and theories, digging into their connection to individual anatomy, justice, and societal welfare.
Generally, the principle of autonomy emphasizes the right to make decisions about one’s body and medical treatment. Experts argue that mandating organ donation infringes upon one’s right to control their body even after death. In addition, this principle dictates that individuals possess inherent dignity and worth, and organ donation reduces the deceased to mere objects by treating their bodies as a resource to be exploited for the benefit of others without regard to prior wishes and values. Therefore, organ conscription policies violate this principle as individuals are coerced to donate their organs against their will or beliefs (Wilkinson, 2011). Proponents of organ conscription argue that scarcity of organs necessitates collective action to ensure equitable access to transplantation. Therefore, by implementing conscription policies, society can maximize the number of available organs thereby saving more lives.
Allocation of organs should be based on principles of distributive justice by ensuring that resources are distributed fairly. Currently, the system relies on voluntary donation which leads to unevenness in access to transplantation based on socioeconomic status, geographical location, and cultural factors. As a result, organ conscription needs to address these imbalances by establishing a more equitable distribution system. Conscription theories may be justified as they aim to maximize overall utility by saving more lives. However, critics argue conscription could exacerbate existing inequalities precisely for marginalized groups who may face greater pressure to donate their organs (Delaney & Hershenov 2009). In addition, concerns arise on the fairness of prioritizing individuals who have arranged the conscription over those who have not composed, likely leading to injustices.
Policies promoting organ conscription also bring up more general issues regarding societal welfare and the role of the state in advancing public health. Upholders argue that the state has a responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens including addressing healthcare needs such as organ transplantation. Thus, conscription policies are a necessary means to fulfill this means and prevent unnecessary deaths due to organ shortages. However, opponents caution against the potential for government overreach which may lead to erosion of civil rights. They argue that promoting societal welfare should not come at the expense of individuals’ rights and freedoms. Moreover, concerns arise concerning the possible unintended results of conscription which may include reduced trust in the medical system or increased black-market organ trade.
Alternative policies should focus on increasing voluntary organ donation rates through education, outreach, and incentivization. For instance, offering financial or non-financial incentives such as tax benefits or prioritized healthcare may encourage more individuals to become donors. Investing in research and technology to improve organ preservation and transplantation techniques could help to maximize the utilization of available organs thereby reducing the demands for conscription. In conclusion, the question of whether organ conscription, the compulsory removal of organs from deceased individuals for transplantation, is morally sound is a complex issue that intersects various ethical theories and moral principles as discussed above. While proponents argue that conscription is necessary to address the critical shortage of organs and save lives, any policy aiming at increasing donor organs must prioritize respect for individual autonomy, fairness, and equitable access to transplantation.
References
Delaney, J., & Hershenov, D. B. (2009). Why consent may not be needed for organ procurement. The American Journal of Bioethics, 9(8), 3-10.
Munson, R. (2014). Intervention and reflection: Basic issues in bioethics
(concise ed.). Wadsworth.
Wilkinson, T. M. (2011). Ethics and the Acquisition of Organs. Issues in Biomedical Ethics.
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