Ethical Debate: Organ Transplants

tiger · Mar 7, 2003

Originally posted by MishlB
I don't think it's really about taxes....I think it's about discrimination...just my opinion.

alot of people participated in this thread. can you be more specific as to whom you are accusing of discrimination. or is it just everyone who has an opinion about this? :confused:

Sally_ICURN · Mar 8, 2003

Originally posted by MishlB
It's not about the money, you missed the point completely. It is about the attitude we have regarding anyone who is not like us, or does not meet some standard we hold of how someone should behave and live while in this country. Everyone talks about their taxes as if all their tax money is going to pay for medical care of uninsured patients. What about national defense, conservation of natural resources, and public education? I don't think it's really about taxes....I think it's about discrimination...just my opinion.

Thanks for making this statement MishlB. Good for you! I feel the same way. And so many of the views are so discouraging, and yes, sad. I've noticed, when one takes a view that's different from the popular opinion on these boards, one is asked to provide a specific example of what they're talking about. It's not one person and even if you addressed or quoted one person's view, you would then be accused of personally attacking them and then there goes the thread. I think what you're saying is it's the general feeling of this discussion that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Not one person specifically. Right? What makes it really sad is if the majority opinion here reflects in anyway the majority opinion of the general US population. But I really doubt it does.

sgtmedic · Mar 15, 2003

Unfortunately this huge ethical debate is very difficult to solve. For is not everyone in the world deserving to live?

In this nation those that need a transplant are placed on a list according to how sick they are and/or how long they've been on the list, depending on the organ that they are waiting for.

For those coming from foreign countries, they must have the money or the funding from their embassy to come here for such a surgery. Does this not place them above those others that need organ transplant in their respective countries?

Here in this country, only a certain percentage of individuals on a list can be from another country. But they are allowed, is it only politics, I don't know, but I do know that it is possible.

The ethics followed in this country are a reflection of its people, and accordingly not followed by all people. So, is it right to compare our programs to those of others? No, for our healthcare system is of a different caliber as well.

Personally, seeing the people I see, day in, day out at work. I can tell you that organs available for transplant are indeed a national resource! Yes, as such I feel that they should be protected. Until there is a wealth of donors that exceeds the demand the goods we have should stay in our country. Once demand is met here, then we should share our wealth with others, no matter where they hail from! Considering that we have people in this country without proper healthcare, I also feel that we should care for our own.

But then, my opinion is one from the masses, and it is the masses that together rule...

MishlB · Mar 15, 2003

Originally posted by sgtmedic
Unfortunately this huge ethical debate is very difficult to solve. For is not everyone in the world deserving to live?
In this nation those that need a transplant are placed on a list according to how sick they are and/or how long they've been on the list, depending on the organ that they are waiting for.
For those coming from foreign countries, they must have the money or the funding from their embassy to come here for such a surgery. Does this not place them above those others that need organ transplant in their respective countries?
Here in this country, only a certain percentage of individuals on a list can be from another country. But they are allowed, is it only politics, I don't know, but I do know that it is possible.
The ethics followed in this country are a reflection of its people, and accordingly not followed by all people. So, is it right to compare our programs to those of others? No, for our healthcare system is of a different caliber as well.
Personally, seeing the people I see, day in, day out at work. I can tell you that organs available for transplant are indeed a national resource! Yes, as such I feel that they should be protected. Until there is a wealth of donors that exceeds the demand the goods we have should stay in our country. Once demand is met here, then we should share our wealth with others, no matter where they hail from! Considering that we have people in this country without proper healthcare, I also feel that we should care for our own.
But then, my opinion is one from the masses, and it is the masses that together rule...

Yes, our healthcare is of a different caliber. And that's not a good thing. And yes, organs available for donation are probably scarce, so who would you like to see deciding who gets an organ and who doesn't? The majority of people who have posted here have had a problem with who receives organs, and they don't particularly care who is the sickest, but who is the most American. The fact is, there will never be a wealth of organs available at any one time. Would you suggest we not use organs from someone not born in this country, not paying taxes, not speaking English? So what's the problem with an organ being given to someone in need, regardless of their ethnic or racial background, or country of origin?....is it ethical to withhold treatment from a patient in need based upon where they were born? In my opinion, no. But I'm sure others will disagree...and thats' ok.

sgtmedic · Mar 16, 2003

No, I care not where they are born, but where they are a citizen. And honestly, the sickest people are not always the best candidate for an organ. Longer recoveries, more complex, and much more expensive. No, organs may never be plentiful. However, they are a resource to be valued. Maybe we should not look so much as to whom should get an organ. Instead, why not look at whom donates. In some countries organ donation is pushed much more. Maybe, it should be mandatory that all potential donors are actually donors. It would not entirely solve the problem surely. But a huge help. That way maybe people would get an organ before they are so incredibly sick. Making quality of life so much better. Saving lives.

As I said, I am but one voice. Together as a whole we help to form the beliefs that our society lives by.

sunnygirl272 · Mar 21, 2003

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2003

Sunnygirl - You are one sick woman!!!!

Let me buy you a drink.