... CJA/324 November 25, 2014 Professor Martinque Parker Title of Paper Personal Dilemma Paper An ethical dilemma is a dispute between two moral principles. The two sides can debate about what is right and what is wrong. Moral and ethical dilemmas can arise in many forms and for different reasons. How these dilemmas are managed determines the results. Personal moral dilemmas occur when an individual must make a decision and the options to make that decision are equally unpleasant. The dilemma is to choose one of the options however, neither is something you want to choose. Past experience may assist you in solving the dilemma or you may need to gather more information to make a sound decision. Ethical dilemmas in society are encountered daily by many. The news feeds, newspapers, and television are full of ethical dilemmas. These reports may be about an actor or actress, rock stars, or politicians. Rarely does one find reports on ethical dilemmas of other types. I have chosen to discuss the ethical dilemma about selling and buying organs on the black market. Nature of the Dilemma Since organ transplants started occurring on a regular basis there has been a shortage for these organs. A transplant recipient can spend years waiting for the right donor and the right organ. Castillo (2014), “The United States government estimates 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant, and every 10 minutes someone is added to the transplant list. As of October 25, 98...
Words: 933 - Pages: 4
...The organ shortage: To market, or not to market? Jessica Peabody Baker College Organ transplantation is a term that most people are familiar with. When a person develops the need for a new organ either due to an accident or disease, they receive a transplant, right? No, that's not always right. When a person needs a new organ, they usually face a long term struggle that they may never see the end of, at least while they are alive. The demand for transplant organs is a challenging problem that many people are working to solve. Countries all over the world face the organ shortage epidemic, and they all have different laws regarding what can be done to solve it. However, no country has been able to create a successful plan without causing moral and ethical dilemmas. The organ shortage is at a critical level, and unless a better system is devised, it will continue to get worse. The debate on whether to legalize and regulate organ trade through the free market has become a very controversial issue in the last decade. The shortage of organs is a problem the increases dramatically every day. In 2010, there were more than 112,000 people on the organ waiting list in the United States. However, there were only 14,507 donors. Of those donors, only 6,564 were "live donors" (UNOS, 2010). Organ trafficking is rising in popularity due to the constant increase in demand for organs and the continuous decrease in supply. Trafficking is the illegal trade of human organs such as the heart...
Words: 1888 - Pages: 8
...the imagination of the populace regarding the pros and cons of cloning. It is a debate that continues to polarize society 15 years after the birth of the most famous sheep on Earth. Discussion We must emphasize that the cloning referred to in this article refers to reproductive, gene and therapeutic cloning. Reproductive cloning is used in the creation of an animal with the same nuclear DNA as another animal, the latter of which may be currently or previously in existence. This was the technology used in the creation of Dolly. Therapeutic cloning refers to the production of human embryos for the purpose of research. It has also been applied to create new organs or tissues for transplantation into a waiting patient with possible applications in the treatment of diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. These two types of cloning – there is a third type known as gene cloning, by the way – are at the center of heated debates. If you wish to cast your vote on the pros and cons of cloning, it is important to acquire as much reliable and relevant information and education on the matter. Advantages of Cloning With that being said, the following are the generally accepted benefits of cloning: • Easy replacement of internal organs and tissues for patients in need of transplants instead of waiting for suitable organ donors, alive or dead. Since the transplanted organ contains most of the recipient’s genes, there is a lesser chance for rejection as...
Words: 548 - Pages: 3
...Living Through Dying Organ donation can be a very difficult decision, which could be made easier through increased education and awareness on donating. Through my years as a Respiratory Therapist I have been exposed to the organ donation process. It can be a difficult decision for a patient’s family especially if it has not been communicated to the family what the individual wants. While it is a tough decision for some, the choice to donate a loved one’s organs means a second chance at life for people on organ waiting lists across the country. When patients are pronounced brain dead they are usually being kept physically alive on life support. Life support for these patients consists of a mechanical ventilator, which breathes for the patient as well as intravenous medications that help various bodily functions. The process for organ donation seems pretty clear cut, however the person making the decision is usually under a high degree of emotional distress, which presents the major gap in the debate about organ donation. It may be easier to go through the thinking process while not in mental distress over the loss (or the potential loss) of a loved one. In my experience as a respiratory therapist, I have been witness to families dealing with the sudden shock of losing a loved one traumatically, and there is no denying the emotion. Capacity to make decisions that are logical and precise are greatly diminished when handling the death of a loved one, especially when they...
Words: 939 - Pages: 4
...Introduction Defining brain death has continued to be a highly controversial phenomenon in our society today. In fact, it was recently described as being “at once well settled and persistently unresolved” (Truog 273). Traditionally death involves the “permanent stopping of the heart and cessation of breathing” (Fins and Laureys 1). However, with the advent of the artificial ventilator invented by Bjorn Ibsen from Denmark, a patient’s breathing and heartbeat could be continued, even in the absence of brain function (Fins and Laureys 1). Once physicians diagnose a patient as brain dead, the next step is often the procedure of organ transplantation. There is a multiplicity of views on brain death and subsequent organ transplantation, with each culture’s beliefs shaping its own medical practices; these differing stances often lead to ethical debates. Background Brain death was first described in the 1950s by two French physicians, Mollart and Goulon, who termed it as “coma depasse,” a state beyond coma and differentiated it from “coma prolonged,” a continual vegetative state (Ganapathi 10). The Harvard Ad Hoc Committee later reported two definitions of death: the “traditional” cardio-pulmonary death and “brain death” (Lock 138). In 1981, the Report of the Medical Consultants on the Diagnosis of Death to the US President's Commission reevaluated death, advocating that the diagnosis of brain death should not be distinguished from the death of “the organism as a whole” (Death...
Words: 2059 - Pages: 9
...Commercialization of Organ Transplants Many critics argue that permitting organs to be bought and sold is unethical. In this paper I will review the arguments for and against commercialization of organ transplant. I will formulate my position on the debate of whether or not the sale of organs should be permitted and I will defend my moral judgment with an argument. I will also determine which normative theory best supports my conclusion. Nearly 100,000 people in the United States are on a waiting list for kidneys, hearts, livers, lungs, and other organs. Many of these people die each day because the high demand for organs greatly exceeds the supply, and the disparity is widening. Despite these laws and other strategies, such as organ donation cards, the organ shortage remains (Sadler & Sadler, 2012). Some people favor changing the federal law to allow people to buy and sell organs. Although, this approach is filled with ethical problems, including the risk that only the desperately poor would be persuaded, and possibly forced to sell their body parts (Sadler & Sadler, 2012). A problem that has been around is the trafficking of human organs. Despite severe and fine tuned laws most jurisdictions are unable to curb organ trafficking. Nor are they able to provide organs to the needy. There are reports of the kidnapping and murder of children and adults to “harvest” their organs (Kishore, 2005). Millions of people are suffering, not because the organs are not available...
Words: 1357 - Pages: 6
...Commercialization of Organ Transplants Naomia Curtis BUS309 Prof. Kenneth A. Pino The idea of sale of organs normally pops the question of whether or not this should be allowed. Well, legally the sale of organs in exchange for money or any other mode of payment is not accepted. However, there are several businesses and medical practitioners that want to change this. One of the notable associations that fight for this idea to go through is the AMA (American Medical Association). To justify their actions, they mention that the ethical issues behind the sale of organs favor the idea. This motivates them in fighting for laws restricting such sale of organs to be legal. The sale of organs is normally favored by two arguments. The first argument is the notion that the owner of the organ has every right to do as he/she wishes with their body parts. Secondly, there is a big shortage in the number of organs ready for transplant that has even led to radical measures being put in place to ensure that more organs for donations are present. Whether the organs would be sold, there is justification due to the high shortage being experienced. Arguments that are against the sale of organs are normally thrown back and forth. Nevertheless there are two clear arguments that reflect on the above arguments that have been mentioned. The first argument is the fact that selling organs eventually leads to commoditization of the bodies. The second argument that is not in favor of the sale of organs is that this...
Words: 1566 - Pages: 7
...The Human Cloning Debate its Benefits Potential and Controversies Charles J. Butler Devry University ENG 135 Professor Norton Abstract This paper explores the vast science and medical research that has gone into cloning, specifically human cloning. It focuses mainly on internet websites and articles posted on to the internet. The articles focus mainly on the history of cloning and the various ways that nature has used cloning and how mankind has extended natures approach and ultimately advanced cloning methods and the new technology that has been discovered because of these advances. The articles contain proof that further advancements in cloning can develop possibilities in preventing and curing diseases. There is discussion on how continued research into therapeutic cloning can expand the knowledge of how certain diseases and cancer attack the body, and how this knowledge can help fight and even eliminate both these issues. Another topic of discussion is how cloning could lead specific cell production of various organs and tissues through-out the body which can lead to curing failing organs and even the possibility of growing replacements organs thus doing away with then need for lengthy organ transplant lists and the needless suffering of thousands of patients a year. The paper contains the various ethical and controversial arguments that human cloning bring up. Keywords: Therapeutic cloning, The Human Cloning Debate its Benefits Potential and Controversies ...
Words: 3264 - Pages: 14
...explains why human cloning should not be banned due to, “the primary objections to human cloning appear to be unfounded, based more on morality, theology, and fear than objective data.” The potential medical benefits of genetic engineering are far too great to let moral concerns about embryonic cell use get in the way of curing diseases. Human therapeutic cloning should not be banned from society because countless lives can be saved through transplantations and genetic research. Therapeutic cloning is the cloning of human tissues for research and transplant, and shows much promise in organ transplantation. Much needed organs grown from stem cells from the patient’s own genetic material could help solve the severe shortage issue, as well as solving Karren 2 the problem of compatibility and rejection. By using a patients own stem cells, the body would not reject the organ because it would recognize it as it’s own genetic material. Professor Don Chalmers reported on his work “which essentially involves using embryos and parts of the embryo” and...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
...Septemeber 30, 2009 Ethics Project Selling of Transplant Organs Ethics of Organ Transplants One of the greatest achievements of modern surgery, tens of thousands of people are giving a new lease on life through the selfless altruism of others who choose to find hope in the midst of tragedy, literally giving of their own bodies in the effort to save others. Transplants aren’t miracle, but they do work- ideally, they are a stopgap measure until someone more permanent and effective can be developed. Fortunately, there does exist such a possibility on the horizon. Eventually, people may be able to simply have replacement organs grown from their own DNA, eliminating matters of procurement, distribution, and even organ rejection. But this will apparently require the use of embryonic stem cells developed with cloning technology, opening up a host of different ethical debates. Pros and Cons for Transplanting Organs Some Facts for selling of transplant organs are -Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history. –All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others. –If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased. – When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent...
Words: 478 - Pages: 2
...Organ donation is highly debated in Britain. One of the issues is about the current donor system. Another issue is the way people can choose to donate their organs. The focus in the article "We Must Change the Organ Donation System" by Denis Campbell is the way people become donors today and if that should be changed. Campbell suggests the system is changed to a so-called "presumed consent" system where you are a donor when you are born. If you do not want to be a donor you have to change it, where today you need to register as a donor. Another problem with today's system is, as Campbell points out, that even if you are a donor, your family need to give their accept too, which can be an unnecessary distress for them. Another angle in the debate is the options people have when they want to donate an organ, and this brings some ethic dilemmas. "The Ethics of Organ Donation by Living Donors" by Robert D. Troug discusses these dilemmas. Today a living donor can give an organ to a loved one, donate an organ to the general pool or a directed donation to a stranger. In all three types of donations there are ethic problems. Because a living donor can give an organ to a family member, this can put pressure on the donor, and there is examples of medical staff helping the person lie about a reason not to donate. The directed donation can also be problematic. It can discriminate people waiting for an organ if the donor for instance only want to donate to white females. Finally, the general...
Words: 405 - Pages: 2
...individuals whose “lifestyle choices/behaviors” have resulted in organ damage) should compete equally, or not, for scarce human organs. Here you’ll want to draw on at least some of the positions defended by Moss & Seigler (“Should Alcoholics Compete Equally for Organ Transplants?”), or the many opposing positions in the online etc., literature, though you don’t necessarily have to limit yourself to those arguments 2) Comprehensively review the ethical arguments made for, and against, “surrogacy for hire” agreements. What are some of the ways the practice has been defended. What are some of the ethical criticisms of surrogacy (see much available online). Which do you think are the most convincing arguments? In presenting your own position, make an effort to respond to the claims of the opposition. 3) Many of the same ethical questions surrounding surrogate motherhood also appear in recent debates regarding other “reproductive technologies” (unauthorized use of eggs/embryos, research exploitation of desperate potential parents, consent agreements, “custody” fights over egg/sperm, freezing eggs, lack of review board oversight, etc.). Imagine yourself as a member of a national “Bioethics Review Committee” charged with making recommendations regarding these new technologies. Write a “position paper” reviewing what you consider to be the most important ethical concerns in this debate, and suggesting acceptable guidelines. 4) In light of the arguments...
Words: 433 - Pages: 2
...It is unethical to receive any compensated for human organs. To regulate the market and assure fairness in 1984 United States Congress pass the National Transplant Act making illegal to buy or sell human organs. Currently, it is illegal to purchase human organs in every country except Iran. With the advancements of modern medicine people are living longer, however, that does not necessary mean healthier lives or a better quality of life. There are increasing debate whether individuals should have the right to sell their fleshly organs. Why would the sale of human organs ever be conceptualized as a commodity? Addressed will be the main drivers of the demand for human organs and the push to make it legal. The organ transplant program was designed...
Words: 510 - Pages: 3
...from the womb before completing development. Being a strong pro-life supporter myself, I have a lot of experience in debates on this subject. I have also researched a few things to further my knowledge on the violence brought into this highly sensitive and controversial debate. My goal in this essay is to express who I am and what I believe in by providing information and my own opinions on this topic. There are mainly two main opinions in this debate, whether a person is pro-life or pro-choice. As I have mentioned before, I am pro-life, which means I do not believe in the act of aborting babies or taking birth control pills that could kill their babies. Many people may disagree with me and say that I am wrong to take away anyone’s right to do what they want with their body. However; I ask myself; how is it right to take away a life? According to a recent survey given by Operation Rescue, 61% of women decide to abort their babies at the 9 week gestational period. Most pro-choice advocates would argue that the baby is just a embryo and has not fully developed yet but according to a legitimate gestational website, during this 9 week period the baby’s heart has divided into four chambers and has begun to form. The baby’s organs, muscles and nerves are finally beginning to function. Most of the baby’s face features have become distinct and the external sex organs have become slightly distinguishable. The question I ponder is; Why would someone throw a life away that has just begun...
Words: 349 - Pages: 2
...Recent advances in human stem cell research have not only generated enormous enthusiasm on the part of researchers and optimistic predictions of revolutionary advances in biomedicine, but have also sparked considerable ethical and emotional public debate. There has been much controversy in the press about pros and cons of stem cell research . The important question to think about is Why the prospect of stem cell therapy has been greeted not as an innovation to be welcomed but as a threat to be resisted? The enormous capabilities of stem cells announce the beginning of an extraordinary advanced field of medicine that can help to cure deadly diseases . The present method , however, destroys human blastocyst that gives rise to intense controversy. (Monroe, Miller, & Tobis , 2008, p. 1) Stem cell controversy is the ethical debate centered on research involving the creation, usage and destruction of human embryonic stem cells. Around the world, many people believe that human embryo research , including the deliberate creation of embryos for valid research or clinical purposes , is wrong . Due to the controversy , some people argues that we should allow stem cell research but some of them are not in favour of stem cell research . According to S Holm , the author of Going to the Roots of Stem Cell Controversy, “A stem cell is a non – differentiated cell that can divide and multiply in its undifferentiated state, but which can also give rise to more specialized...
Words: 1518 - Pages: 7
