|
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=284C1FFEDC349416C5A95B82A0F6A6D7
The article I have chosen deals with the issue of organs and organ donation. The article describes the harvesting of a brain-dead man's organs, without the approval of the dead man's family. Apparently the hospital staff had disconnected the life support before the family agreed to let the man die, as they had wanted to wait another day to see if he would wake up. The doctors could not wait any longer as the conditon of the man's organs would deteriorate.
I feel that the family of the man, although their wishes should be respected, should have considered those on the organ donor waiting list. There is a higher chance of an organ recepient surviving than a brain dead man. The organs of the dead man have probably saved a few lives. If the family had put themselves in the shoes of others, they would not have needed to wait another day, and this whole uproar would have been averted.
The issue of organ trading is also highly controversial, but I feel that all usable organs should be pledged to be donated. An organ is of no use to a dead man. A brain dead man is as good as dead. However, there is another issue at hand- that of those who sell their organs while still alive.
The sale of organs is more common in less developed countries, where the less educated and less affluent would not hesitate to do such a thing, even if it shortens their life. I find that although it seems like a terrible and insensible thing to do, it may be the only option for these people, who may be struggling to survive. There may also be cases where this foolishness is caused by a lack of knowledge. These people may not have received formal education and do not know the dangers of losing one of your kidneys, for instance, even though there is another.
In conclusion, I believe that the organs of the deceased are better off used to susain the life or lives of another.
5:17 AM | link
|
