Should we sell our kidneys?
Allowing payments to organ donors would undoubtedly save lives. So what are the psychological – and political – impediments?
TL;DR
- The UK has approximately 7,000 people awaiting kidney transplants, with a significant number dying weekly.
- Kidneys from deceased donors last 10-15 years, and from living donors 20-25 years, necessitating repeat transplants or dialysis.
- Iran is the only country that has legalized the sale of kidneys, eliminating waiting lists and charging around $5,000 per organ.
- Arguments against legalizing kidney sales, such as exploitation of the poor and the commodification of the body, are presented and challenged.
- The author suggests that appealing to self-interest through payment could increase organ supply, contrasting with the current reliance on altruism.
- The article posits that feelings of discomfort or 'ickiness' towards organ sales should not dictate policy when lives are at stake.
- The Iranian system's success is partly attributed to the regime's ability to disregard public moral objections, raising concerns about authoritarianism if implemented in democratic societies.