Summary Of Organ Sales Will Save Lives By Joanna Mackay

The essay “Organ Sales Will Save Lives” by MIT student Joanna MacKay was written for a class on ethic and politics in science. In the essay MacKay elaborates that kidney failure is a major problem that has a possibility, not so complex solution. MacKay believes that this issue could possibly be resolved if the legalization of organ sales were to be possible. In fact, her main argument throughout the essay is that government officials should not waste lives, but rather help save them by legalizing this process. Furthermore, she explains the dangers of the black market and how authorizing organ sales would benefit all parties involved. Overall, organ sales is argued for legalization by author Joanna MacKay in a thorough, coherent, and understandable

We have the responsibility to protect and help those less fortunate, but we cannot let our own ideals cloud the issues at hand” (MacKay 158). By providing an argument about moral issues, MacKay is better able to provide a new perspective to the reader and perhaps a new mindset. Additionally, MacKay claims those awaiting for the benefits of a transplant, including the buyer and seller would discredit those who claim this process is morally wrong. Due to the fact that not many people can relate to the situation of the buyer and seller, MacKay questions our moral stances and if they are worth depriving thousands of people from a chance to live. Not only would the patient be suffering, but the poor would as well, the author claims, “There are other people so poor that the sale of a kidney is worth the profit... Then turn around and try to tell another person that he has to remain in poverty for that same reason. In matters of life and death, our stances on moral issues must be reevaluated”(MacKay 160). By reevaluating the situation of not only the patient, but of the donor

For example the author claims, “While many argue that legalizing the sale of organs will exploit the poorer people of third world countries, the truth of the matter is that this is already the case” (159). The author clearly states an issue that is already occurring, therefore her argument clear; the legalization of organ sales would ensure safe procedures for the patient and donor. Essentially, this phenomenon is already occurring in the poorest places on this plant, if the legalization or organ sales were to be legal, the participants would be ensured a safe and legal procedure. Clearly the author is all for this process. Furthermore, Joanna MacKay states, “Legalization of organ sales would give governments the authority and the opportunity to closely monitor these live kidney operations” (160). With that being said, MacKay provides yet another statement to further her point; legalization of organ sales would make this process safe. Also, MacKay claims that the risk of kidney donation does not justify for the outlawing of this process; the benefits outweigh the risks. In viewing the dangers and advantages of this process, her point is arguably understandable and