is it wrong to treat human organs as commodities?

Question

many believed that commercialization is increasing in all areas of modern life. if this is so, is it something to be applauded or condemned? is it wrong to treat certain things such as human organs as commodities? explain.

Answer 1

It depends on the situation.

If you mean human organs from deceased people as commodities, than no.

If you mean harvesting from people that would be alive otherwise (unless donated by those people of course), than no.

Answer 2

The commodity markets do serve a purpose. However there must be a certain volume preset before the market becomes helpful. The commodity markets stabilize prices, forecast demand and allow manufacturing to plan capacity.

Now this does not seem to help the organ market. The demand is constant and the production is also. It does not seem an area where creating a market would help. The social justice issues would not be helped by a commodity market. The market does provide a fair market for pig-bellies.

The right or wrong, better of worse, is subordinate to reason. The method cannot be confused with the objective. You make a value judgment when the suggestion is made that those people who want a commodity market for human transplant organs have a lower objective than those who don't. The objective drives the method.

Answer 3

The science behind such an endeavor should be applauded, as it can be "life saving" or enhancing to humanity. However to legitimize human organs as commodities - there is nothing in the history of man that supports his ethical (righteous thinking) approach to such a freedom.

Maybe if there is some world wide ethical vapor that could sanitize people's thinking, then maybe :)

Answer 4

This is a superb question.

My belief is that it is is immoral. Some here have been writing about harvesting the organs of the dead or dying. But that's not the issue. The issue is the buying and selling of organs from healthy people.

Many countries like India and Pakistan are quickly becoming centers for this illegal trade. It's pathetic really. Rich westerners go to these countries and contact unethical doctors. These doctors in turn act as middle-men who then contact poor people and get them to sell organs for a price. Some say that it's capitalism, and people should have a right to do what they want with their bodies. But we have to ask ourselves what this says about us as a people. Furthermore it should be noted, the people who are selling their organs generally make a small amount of money. The lion's share of the proceeds go to the corrupt middle-men who fashion the bargains. It's an ugly and heartless business.

In effect it is the reduction of people in poor countries to the level of so much inventory on a warehouse shelf. None of these people would ever consent to this kind of exploitation if they weren't driven to it by grinding poverty. I understand why people who are desperate to live want an organ at any price; and I also understand why people suffering from excruciating poverty want a break at any price. But I cannot but lament the commercialization of human life that lies at the center of this gruesome enterprise.

Hope this answer helps.

Answer 5

It's hard to say that human organs are a commodity. It's not like you can sell a human organ, at least in this country. In most cases, you have to be an organ donor to even be concidered. I cannot think of a reason not to be an organ donor. If it will help someone else have a chance at a good life then why not?

Answer 6

If those stupid greenies would accept human cloning as a medical advancement, we would soon be able to clone brainless versions of the terminally ill and harvest 100% compatible organs for them.

I do believe that one should not have to pay for new organs, as that is just so 'Money Or Your Life' and should be abolished!

Answer 7

I see from this view. the two fitting genitalia have been a commodity because they have no mind of there own i do not condone this practice . the mind can produce it's own slave market of the other organs simply because they do not have a separate mind to defend it.when the mind uses it's height as a leverage , I could go further with this but i have said enough for now. thank you for the question.

Answer 8

I find it rather ironical that we have to cite the sensitive case of human organs to highlight the erosion in human values.... for that is what is causing the organs commerce apart from many many other ills in our society. Our practice of medical science is full of dilemmas and dogmas that ought to be resolved.... and a clearheaded application of human values alone can do that.

Answer 9

If there is a price then it will be treated like a commodity

Answer 10

Yes! It is wrong. Philosophically speaking, a dangerous man-hunt will proliferate through out the world. That's why all religions strictly prohibit this practice.