Premium Essay

The Pros And Cons Of Organ Transplants

Submitted By
Words 1073
Pages 5
Controversial suicide Doctor, Jack Kevorkian once declared, “ Five to six thousand people die every year waiting for organs, but nobody cares.” Indeed, not many people are aware that a lack of organ donors exists. However, people of all ages are at risk of organ failure due to disease or genetic causes. Unfortunately, these people who have this might not be able to live because they do not make it to the top of the organ transplant waiting list. Up to eight people can be saved from organ failure from one donor. This all changed on December 23, 1954 when the first organ transplant, a kidney, took place (Plumb). Leading the surgery was a talented doctor named Doctor Joseph Murray, who received The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990. …show more content…
This could not have happened if the transplant on December 23, 1954 on the Herrick Twins never happened. This surgery led other doctors around the country wonder why this surgery worked and not others what was the difference. Many thought, well they were twins so if they were to do organ transplants in a person the same age it would work better. Today, it doesn’t matter how old a person is to receive a organ transplant. For an example a forty - two year old male can be able to donate his kidney to a ten year old girl. This is one of most humongous impact the surgery led to, which is being able to save people no matter what age. Instead, if this was to happen in 1954, they would not have been able to do the surgery because the range of their age was so far apart. This led to the creation of a drug called immunosuppressant helps your immune system from attacking the new organ. They usually need to be take this drug every day since the day the person received the organ (“Managing Your Health After an Organ Transplant”). This transplant later led to discovery and next successful organ transplant, the pancreas, in 1966. The next successful organ transplant was the live in 1967 (Unos). Many more organs have been transplanted years and years after the Doctor Joseph Murray's surgery on December 23, 1954. “Organ donation has gone up over the years. In 1986 twenty-five thousand people were on the list and this year three-hundred thousand people are on the list”

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Commercialization of Organ Transplants

...Commercialization of Organ Transplants Nicholas Owens Professor Kenneth Pino Business Ethics 05-04-14 I’ve recently done research regarding the commercialization of Organ Transplants. I’ve found many arguments for and against this subject. Some individuals find the act to be unethical, and other’s think it will save lives. The problem is that a new policy was proposed to allow sale of organs by consenting individuals to patients in need and to medical institutions. When it comes to the subject of human organs, there are a few ethical standards to consider. There are religious standards, social norms, ethical code, morals, and policies in which we should follow. Critics argue that permitting organs to be bought and sold is unethical. Meaning that to commercialize organs transplants would violate an ethical code and social norm. During my research I’ve found many pros and cons concerning the commercialization of Organ Transplants. One of the pros would be that it shortens the waiting time for those in need of transplants. For example, if you have been on a waiting list to receive a kidney and there are more donated organs you will receive one quicker to save your life. Another pro for commercializing organ transplants are an individual’s rights to have the freedom to do what they wish with their body organs. Some people might equate this example to abortion stating that the government shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do with your body. During NOTA (National Organ Transplant) act of...

Words: 1361 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Pros and Cons of Cloning

...that Dolly awakened 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...

Words: 548 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Proposal Paper.Docx Edited.Docx Ready

...Organ Donation Proposal Paper Abstract In the last decade, the progress of post-transplant outcome and the increased organ failure has led to an increased need for organ transplant around the globe. Several factors such as the availability of guidelines for determining the eligibility influence this issue into more organ crisis. On the other hand, the need to meet the increased need for organ transplant has resulted in a rise in the number of people on the waiting list. According to Wendy (2005), in the year 2006 alone, the number of patients or Organ receivers on the waiting list was roughly around 95,000. Each year over 6,300 death cases reported due to unavailability of the organ in the United States (Gary, 2007). Due to the high shortage of organ, dozens of people life leading into a search for other alternative or pathway such as dialysis. Consequently, this kind of alternative methods has been able to provide practical solutions to this and other organ donation-related problems around the world (Wendy, 2005). The shortage of organs has deprived many patients of quality and better way of life. This paper provides a brief history of the organ donation, pros, and cons, statistics of organ donation, myths surrounding organ donation, organ donation-related issues and as well as the solutions and recommendations. Organ Donation Proposal History of Organ Donation Organ donations started back on 1954 Professor Joseph Murray surgeon who performed the first successful kidney...

Words: 1347 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Organ Donation

...[pic] Organ Donation Research Organ Donor Information Nareg Tarinian Health Research Paper • Professor Lorch • June 5, 2014 [pic] [pic] Everyday about 6,100 people die, 82, 951 people are waiting for organs to be donated, and ach day 17 people die because they do not receive a transplant since there is not enough people giving to be a donor. There are 100,000 people in the U.S in need of organ transplants, but the wait list is so long, unfortunately. Organ transplants are a significant tool for medical treatment today and the use of them will increase by this much 50%, there are significant issues with organ donation such as finding a wrong match or the transplant taking too long, and specific solutions by having more and more people become donors, which will start a future for them. Organ donation is when a person who died, has previously declared themselves as an organ donor and allowed permission for their organs to be transplanted into someone who need’s their specific organs because of some medical condition, can’t survive without the specific needed organ. When a person dies, it is said that their heart, intestine, kidneys, liver, lung, pancreas, heart valves, bone, skin, corneas, veins, cartilage, and tendons can all be used for transplants. Deciding to donate organs is beneficial to everyone, morally the right thing to do when you pass on if it is not against your religion,and is also one of the most best ways for survival. Transplants date from the 9th century...

Words: 1109 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Health

...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...

Words: 478 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Pros And Cons Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

...Stem Cell Research: Its Pros and Cons Because of its concept, embryonic stem cell research has become a hot topic in debates among scientific researchers, moral activists, religious groups and governments. It is a relatively a new science that holds medical treatments for many debilitating diseases and disorders affecting people today. But like other new scientific technologies, it is also believed to potentially do harm. To get a good insight about this type of research, let us take a look at some of its pros and cons. List of Pros of Embryonic Stem Cell Research 1. It can help treat many diseases. As scientists direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types, they will be able to use the resulting differentiated cells to treat certain diseases, which include diabetes, traumatic spinal cord injury, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, heart diseases, and vision and hearing loss. It is also claimed to have the potential...

Words: 556 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Cloning in Society

...and Thomas J. Kings. Cloning came into the spotlight when Dolly the sheep became the most famous sheep in the word in 1996. Researchers declared it the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell. Cloning will have a major impact in society future years to come. In this paper I will discuss 3 major changes that cloning might have in 20 years. With cloning we will have longer life expectancies. In this day and age we have 123, 382 people waiting for an organ transplant. It takes 1 donor to save up to 8 lives. With cloning all this people wouldn’t have to wait for years for the possibility of getting an organ transplant. Also the organ has to be the same blood type as the receiver. Even with that the new organ will be rejected do to the white blood cells considering it a foreign object and harmful to the body. With cloning scientist would be able to create the exact copy of the organ the patients’ needs from his own cells. Therefore the white blood cells would not consider it foreign or harmful and the transplant would not run the risk of failing. We could have faster and more successful recoveries from traumatic injuries. From the professional athlete who tears their ACL to the person who becomes a quadriplegic because of a devastating automobile accident, recovery times could be lowered and true healing could occur thanks to the cloning of their own cells to help the recovery process. (healthresearchfunding2013) To be able to copy the exact cells in your body will...

Words: 489 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Pros and Cons of Cloning

...Pros and Cons of Cloning Name of Student Name of Institution   Outline Topic: Cloning: Pros and Cons I. Introduction What is cloning? Thesis statement – cloning should not be completely banned since is has positive benefits to human beings. II. Body A. Advantages of cloning 1. Present medicine a. Treating cancer and Alzheimer’s b. Organ transplant 2. Solution to infertility and aging a. Cloning human beings for children b. Reversing effects of aging 3. Conservation of endangered animals and food security a. Cloning of almost extinct animals b. Cloning livestock for food security B. Disadvantages of cloning 1. Trial and error technique a. Cloning of dolly b. Possibility of failure 2. Transfer of diseases and abnormalities 3. Disregard for life and God III. Conclusion A. Logical Summary B. Reworded thesis statement C. closing Statement   Pros and Cons of Cloning Cloning is explained as the process in which a precise genetic copy of another cell, tissue or organism is created. The genetic make up of the copied material is identical to the original and it is known as a clone. Cloning takes place naturally during the formation of identical twins. The first living thing to be cloned was a sheep known as Dolly at the Roslin Institute in Scotland by Ian Wilmut (Devolder ,1-4). In my opinion cloning should not be completely banned because even if it has disadvantages it also has positive benefits. Cloning has advantages and disadvantages. Cloning...

Words: 1086 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Stem Cell Research

...opening with no end. What is a stem cell? A stem cell is a cell that is undifferentiated, which means it can develop into any type of cell. There are three places stem cells can be obtained. They can be obtained from adult cells, bone marrow cells, and embryonic cells. According to the article on the website for The National Institute of Health on Stem Cell Research, stem cell research has been going on since the 1950’s (http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics4.asp). There are billions of dollars being poured into stem cell research, because of all the benefits that can be done with stem cells (http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm). The first type of stem cell is the adult stem cell, which comes from individual’s bone marrow or the peripheral system (http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm). Stem cells are undifferentiated and this allows them to grow into differentiated cell to be used wherever they are needed. Stem cell treatment has been used in treating cancer, and other major diseases. Stem cells can replace damaged cells and this helps with the healing process and in some cases the patient has even been cured of the disease, which is why the research with stem cells is so aggressive. Researchers have found that adult stem cells can be taken from many parts of the human body. Also with adult cells they are an exact match to the patient’s DNA, therefore the body’s immune system accepts them...

Words: 1061 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Leadership, Teambuilding, and Communication

...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

Premium Essay

Cloning

...The first thing that usually pops into someone’s mind when they hear the word cloning is a human replication such as the army of clones in the movie Star Wars. What most people don't know is that there is so much more to cloning than creating a living being identical to the original. There are multiple ways to utilize the technology of cloning whether they be beneficial or not. Cloning is a good idea as long as it upholds life and is not allowed to limit the diversity of genetic traits. Cloning is “the asexual production of an exact copy of an original” (“What is cloning”). It is from one parent and results in identical cells. Scientifically speaking, one cell could be cloned, as well as organs, plants, even animals and perhaps humans. Just as varied, are the reasons to clone in the first place. The possibilities of cloning range from medical uses, personal uses, agricultural and livestock improvement to saving endangered species and more. The medical advantages cloning provides extend life, treat illnesses, and produce medications. Research into cell growth and genetics adds understanding into diseases such as cancer and how to avoid hereditary defects. In addition, cloning can improve food sources whether crops or livestock. Cloning also takes part in choosing desirable traits for people, animals, and plant, crops. Once they genetically engineer the plants, they can clone those seeds so that they have multiple identical copies of that same plant. Same with animals or livestock...

Words: 1822 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Biotechnology

...including myself would say it is harming our futures. I am against cloning because of the unethical experimentations, procreations turn into manufactures, and it threatens individuality and identity. In this report you will be learning about what is cloning, the pros and cons of cloning, and how to fix this controversial issue. Cloning is a cell or organism that is genetically identical to the unit or individual from which is was derived from. Cloning can be done on animals, plants, food, and even humans. The three types of cloning are Gene, Reproductive, and Therapeutic Cloning. Gene cloning creates copies the DNA, Reproductive cloning involves copies of animals, and Therapeutic cloning deals with stem cells in human beings body. One of the pros from cloning is that it can replace internal organs and tissue. Embryonic stem cells can grow and produce new organs and tissue from the damaged one. When patients are in need of a transplant, instead of waiting for an organ donor, they would just clone their organs and tissues. So if someone got into a car accident and needed a new heart and a new face, cloning would produce the organ so they could have another organ and the tissue so they could make his face without scars. Another pro for cloning is it being the solution to couples who have infertility issues. There are couples in this would who have problems producing kids...

Words: 730 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Baby Theresa

...Baby Theresa The case of Baby Theresa became a worldwide controversy that made several minds scramble on making the right decision. Baby Theresa was an anencephalic infant with no chance of survival. Her parents volunteered her organs for transplant to save other children, yet by the time she died, her organs were too deteriorated to be transplanted. Several question arose when this scenario came into questions for the Florida Law officials. South Florida ruled that Theresa's vital organs could not be transplanted until all brain activity - including any function of her brain stem, which controls respiratory and heartbeat - had ceased. Vital questions/concerns were raised on if the right decision was made and if the law was upheld. In one way I believe doctors should have allowed the transplant of Baby Theresa's organs because they could have benefited other children and this would not have harmed Baby Theresa, who had no conscious life anyway. On the other hand, it is always wrong to use one person as a means to somebody's else's ends, that it would have been wrong to violate Baby Theresa's autonomy. But Baby Theresa had no capability of autonomy and her parents were her decision maker. Yet the law makes rules in order to abide certain circumstances like these. Therefore if the law were to bend the rule for this situation then the law would not be upholding their status and would have to give everyone an exemption. Several statements can be made and inferred with assumption...

Words: 1003 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Pros And Cons Of Therapeutic Cloning

...Cloning is a very unknown but coming thing. Cloning can be used to reproduce a human or animal with the same genetic makeup as the parent. It can be used in many different ways such as therapeutic cloning as well as just cloning an animal or human to be the same as its parent. Cloning when done carefully can do great things. Cloning a human doesn't have to be completely about cloning them into another person. Scientist can use cloning techniques to create stem cells for various needs. Creating stem cells for the use of treating diseases or even experimenting with treating diseases is called therapeutic cloning. Clones could be produced to provide organs for transplants. So this helps show that clones have many uses and beneficiary qualities....

Words: 401 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Genetic Engineering

...term “fingerprinting” is used because finger prints, like DNA, vary from person to person and no two people have the same DNA or fingerprints. So, when scientists identify a person’s DNA, it can only be linked back to one individual and can help to obtain information about that specific individual. DNA fingerprinting can be done through many different ways. Some ways are through blood samples from a vein or heel, saliva samples, skin samples, or hair samples. The purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to help link family members together, find things that cause diseases, to help aid in crime scene investigations, and to identify the deceased. The Pros of this technology are that it can help to bring justice to victims in a criminal case through identifying the guilty party and can help to identify diseases so that they can better be prevented. Cons to the technology are that mistakes might be made and the wrong person might become accused and that the information obtained might be abused. Genetically...

Words: 2310 - Pages: 10